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Homelessness and housing insecurity among older adults in Connecticut represent a growing crisis, exacerbated by economic pressures and a shortage of affordable housing. Older adults, typically defined as those aged 55 and above, face unique vulnerabilities such as fixed incomes, health challenges, and limited employment opportunities. As of 2024, Connecticut has seen a steady rise in homelessness, with older adults comprising a significant portion of those affected. This article explores the current statistics, causes, impacts, available resources, and ongoing efforts to address this issue.
In January 2024, Connecticut's annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count recorded 3,410 people experiencing homelessness, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Nearly 800 of these individuals were aged 55 or older, highlighting the disproportionate impact on this demographic. Statewide, calls to 2-1-1 for housing and shelter assistance surged by 79% in 2024, reflecting widespread housing instability. Nationally, older adults made up 20% of the homeless population in 2023, totaling over 127,000 individuals, a trend mirrored in Connecticut where the "gray wave" of senior homelessness is driven by similar factors. Preliminary indicators suggest this rise continued into 2025, with experts anticipating further increases based on ongoing inflows into the homeless response system.
Several factors contribute to homelessness and housing insecurity among older adults in Connecticut. A primary driver is the severe shortage of affordable housing, with the state lacking approximately 98,000 units affordable to its lowest-income renters. Rising rents and inflation have outpaced fixed incomes like Social Security, making it difficult for seniors to maintain housing. Many older adults have worked low-wage jobs throughout their lives and face sudden life events such as job loss, illness, or the death of a spouse, pushing them into instability. The end of COVID-19 era supports, including eviction moratoriums and emergency funds, has worsened the situation, leading to longer shelter stays and increased unsheltered homelessness. Additionally, systemic issues like health problems and limited access to supportive services compound these risks, with nearly one in three older Americans experiencing some form of housing insecurity.
Homelessness accelerates aging and exacerbates health issues among older adults. Those experiencing homelessness in their 50s and 60s often show signs of cognitive impairment, mobility difficulties, and premature death. In Connecticut, a high proportion of older homeless individuals are unsheltered, living in vehicles, encampments, or other unfit places, which heightens risks from exposure and lack of medical care. Housing cost burdens are particularly acute, with 34.7% of Connecticut households spending 30% or more of their income on housing, disproportionately affecting seniors on limited budgets. This instability also leads to increased food insecurity, with rates reaching 17% statewide, further straining vulnerable older populations.
Connecticut offers several resources to combat homelessness among older adults. The Coordinated Access Networks (CAN) system connects individuals to services via a call to 2-1-1, pressing #3 and #1 for housing emergencies. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) provides housing and homeless services, including the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program and the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) initiative to help access disability benefits. Emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing have expanded, with bed inventories increasing by 5% for emergency options and 2% for permanent housing in 2024. Federal programs like Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) have been utilized to prevent and end homelessness, reducing numbers in past years before recent rises.
The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) advocates for data-driven solutions and collective impact to address the crisis. In 2025, the state legislature is focusing on zoning reforms, eviction prevention, and increasing affordable housing supply to mitigate homelessness. Providers are pushing for more funding, with past requests for $20 million in additional support, though unmet, leading to reallocation of remaining COVID funds. National frameworks emphasize prevention through tailored resources, Medicaid funding for supportive housing, and coordination between homeless services, health, and aging networks. Efforts also include outreach programs like the Transit HOP for those at transit stations and initiatives to reduce first-time and recurring homelessness.
Homelessness and housing insecurity among older adults in Connecticut demand urgent attention, with rising numbers underscoring the need for expanded affordable housing, income supports, and targeted services. By addressing root causes like housing shortages and economic pressures, and bolstering programs like CAN and SOAR, the state can work toward functional zero homelessness. Community involvement, policy reforms, and increased funding are essential to protect this vulnerable population and ensure dignified living in their later years.
