HMIS6

RIVERSIDE COUNTY 2

AGING AND HOMELESS Solutions First

The face of Riverside County’s homeless population is growing older. The increase of elder homelessness locally and nationally is widely attributed to the aging of existing chronically homeless and those who are experiencing homelessness for the first time later in life. The complexity of their circumstances requires that planners and policymakers adopt multifaceted short and long-range solutions to address the medical, social, emotional and economic needs of those who are aging and homeless. The needs of the aging in our local communities are quickly mounting. In coming decades, the over-60 population in Riverside County is expected to burgeon by 250%, placing Riverside in the top five California counties with the largest older-adult population. Sustained economic uncertainty, a falling away of social supports and shrinking supply of affordable housing are putting a growing number of aging County residents at risk of homelessness. Those who have access to financial and emotional support are more likely to successfully transition from homelessness to a permanent housing situation. An Individualized and Comprehensive Service Plan from approved service providers—one that recognizes the unique interactions between chronic, co-existing age-related health conditions and the inherent trauma caused by homelessness and living on the streets is essential and must include: Integration of community-based healthcare that provides linkages to stable, permanent housing Access to specialized aging services that include crisis assistance, substance-use treatment and community-based services supported by a strong network of partners that understand the need for individualized, one-on-one engagement and service provision Multidisciplinary service teams that can identify underlying issues and help homeless individuals navigate ‘one stop’ access that promotes completion of necessary treatments and programs Financial support and access to nutritious meal services, daily living activities, transportation, employment and community-based activities to increase social engagement and reduce isolation. Housing support that allows tenants to ‘age in place’ to overcome barriers of signifi- cant challenges related to personal care assistance, limited mobility, or cognitive decline, to reduce the incidents of first-time homelessness due to these causes. By adopting short-term and long-term solutions now, Riverside County is positioning itself to head off a looming and costly public health crisis, serving as a national leader in solutions for the aging homeless and—most importantly—extending a vital lifeline to valued members of our communities.