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,

To make a contribution towards addressing our mission’s most pressing needs, visit  pottstowncluster.org/donate