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Among people experiencing homelessness in California, the group rising the fastest by proportion is older adults. A recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness highlights their experiences during homelessness, and what impacted their return to permanent housing. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "The dramatic rise in homelessness among older adults has severe consequences for the health and safety of those who experience it and for our society at large. Now is the time for investments in real solutions to prevent and end homelessness among this vulnerable population."

The California Statewide Study on People Experiencing Homelessness is the largest representative study on homelessness since the 1990s. The study used a mixed methods approach, collecting data from more than 3,000 surveys and 365 in-depth interviews to uncover who is experiencing homelessness, what individual circumstances have led to them becoming homeless, and how their health issues have affected their life experiences. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative and principal investigator on the report, also delivered the annual John P. Dunlop Lecture at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), presenting the findings and discussing policy recommendations.

Californians experiencing homelessness are aging, presenting unique challenges. A recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness highlights their experiences during homelessness, and what impacted their return to permanent housing. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "The older you are when you first become homeless, sort of the more stuck in homelessness you get."

The Centre for Homelessness Impact May 2024 Research Network Meeting features presentations from Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Beth Watts-Cobbe, PhD, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, and Equalities Research at Heriot-Watt University, and Niamh Flannigan, Implementation Lead at the Centre for Homelessness Impact, highlighting landmark pieces on research and policy. Dr. Kushel presented on the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness. Dr. Kushel said, "We need to build housing, create housing at every price point, but particularly for those with extremely low income."

As of January 2024, Californian landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers or other housing subsidies may not use credit reports when screening tenant applications. This policy reform will greatly benefit people who have experienced intimate partner violence. The financial instability can cascade into all parts of survivors lives. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, “There are only so many places you can hide when you are vulnerable.”

Baby boomers own over 35% of all large homes in the US, and many of these older Americans are choosing to stay in their homes, exacerbating housing costs. This problem is even more apparent in California because their unique tax law incentivizes people to stay. On the other hand, younger boomers reaching retirement are increasingly facing homelessness. The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness, found that over 40% of homeless older adults in California were homeless for the first time after the age of 50.

On this podcast episode of Factually! with Adam Conover, Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, joins host Adam Conover to discuss the findings in the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness and dispel myths related to homelessness. The number of people experiencing homelessness has reached a record high in the US. "You are not seeing the 12 people to a room because that's invisible to those who are lucky enough not to experience that."

Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, joins Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams to talk about those who are more at risk of becoming homeless. People who are experiencing homelessness have higher untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders than the general population. "The people in the 50s and 60s have all of the characteristics of the people we normally think of in their 70s or 80s. What we see is a lot of falls, a lot more worsening of people's cognitive abilities, of people's hearing." Dr. Kushel said.

Safe Ground Sacramento is a nonprofit that advocates for the decriminalization of homelessness and the establishment of Safe Ground communities. In March 2023, Safe Ground Sacramento signed a lease with the city of Sacramento. Under this agreement, the city cannot close Camp Resolution until every resident has been placed in "individual permanent durable housing." The agreement with the city is set to expire in June and the city has decided not to request an extension. This is the fourth installment of a 4 part series exploring solutions to homelessness in California.

San Diego's mayor created a department in 2021 to find solutions to the homelessness crisis. The number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego increased 35% from 2022 to 2023. City officials are pushing to create a long-term mega shelter with 1,000 beds, including meals, showers, and other amenities. However, the shelter proposals do not address the root cause of homelessness. Housing costs. This is the third installment of a 4 part series exploring solutions to homelessness in California.