Older Adult Housing Program Success Stories
 A Housing Hand Up
Meet Mr. Smith, whose story highlights the risk of homelessness for older adults on fixed incomes during life crises or financial setbacks.
Mr. Smith, a 77-year-old veteran living alone in Pottstown, faced a challenging situation when his personal information was compromised, leading to the suspension of his monthly SSI benefits of less than $1,000. This financial strain made it difficult for him to keep up with his rent, prompting his landlord to initiate eviction proceedings in September. In desperation, Mr. Smith reached out to the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities for assistance. Thanks to funding secured for our older adult housing support program, we were able to intervene and prevent his eviction by covering his back rent, late fees, court costs, and his November rent. This assistance provided Mr. Smith with the breathing space he required to regain his financial footing and return to a state of stability, enabling him to pay his rent independently. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mr. Smith expressed his heartfelt thanks, while we felt a deep sense of fulfillment in being able to provide a housing helping hand up to such a deserving person.
Mr. Smith’s story illustrates the vulnerability of older adults living on fixed incomes to homelessness, particularly when faced with a life crisis or financial setback. Mr. Smith is sadly just one among many. An alarming trend is the increasing number of older adults who are at-risk of becoming homeless. We’ve witnessed many individuals over the age of 80 experiencing rent hikes from $500 to more than $1,000. With the average monthly Social Security income sitting at $943, and the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montgomery County reaching $1,200. The situation is alarming. Additionally, the average wait time for senior housing is two years, which clearly indicates a looming crisis. To address this issue, the Pottstown Cluster has developed a program aimed at helping low-income older adults remain or transition into safe, affordable housing.
A Story of Impact Success: Because of your generosity, we are able to make a difference. This is about coming together to support those who need it most.
Unfortunately, there is little support for low-income home owners and many face a daunting challenge when it comes to maintaining their homes and affording essential services like heat. In this particular case, the older adult we helped had been struggling for some time due to limited resources. His financial circumstances, compounded by the rising costs of living, left him and his family unable to afford the necessary repairs to his heating system. This predicament left him facing the harsh reality of living without heat during the cold winter months, which posed not only discomfort but also serious health risks.
With your invaluable support, we were able to step in and provide the assistance he desperately needed. Our team worked tirelessly to assess his situation and coordinate the necessary repairs to his heating system, ensuring that he would be warm and safe in his home once again. This intervention not only improved his quality of life but also reinforced the importance of community support in times of crisis.
We are truly grateful for the donors and supporters who have stepped up to lift up those in need. Kindness and willingness to contribute makes a tangible difference in the lives of individuals who often feel forgotten. Together, we are fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and safety, regardless of their financial circumstances. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission and for helping us create positive change in the lives of those who need it most.
The Need for Older Adult Supportive Housing Services
The Trend
We are witnessing a growing trend of older adults facing the risk of becoming unhoused. Many individuals over the age of 80 have experienced rent hikes from $500 to more than $1,000. With the average monthly social security income being $943, and the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montgomery County at $1,200, the situation becomes dire. Additionally, seniors face an average wait time of two years for senior housing. By 2020, it was reported that half of the homeless single adults were over the age of 50.
Our Work
The Pottstown Cluster has developed a model aimed at helping low-income older adults remain or transition into safe, affordable housing. We strive to ensure that more seniors have the chance to age with safety and dignity in a home. The Pottstown Cluster’s Older Adult Program assists low-income seniors in securing safe, reasonable housing. Our specific services include outreach, prevention, case management, and supportive housing to cater to the unique needs of older adults who are facing or at-risk of homelessness.
To make a contribution towards addressing our mission’s most pressing needs, visit  pottstowncluster.org/donate
