By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–In a move aimed at tackling the rising homelessness crisis among older adults, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a groundbreaking pilot program.
The initiative focuses on creating housemate matches between lower-income individuals aged 55 and older and residents willing to offer spare bedrooms for rent.
The decision to implement the two-year pilot program comes in response to alarming statistics revealed by the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, indicating a 29% increase in homelessness among individuals aged 55 and older compared to the previous year.
Under the program, a minimum of 50 older adults will be matched with suitable households that voluntarily sign up to rent out spare bedrooms. To ensure stability, participants will also receive support services aimed at helping them maintain housing security.
David Estrella, the director of County Housing and Community Development Services, emphasized the vulnerability of older adults living on fixed incomes in the current challenging housing market.
“This program is a way to catch a senior before they fall through the cracks,” Estrella said.
Eligibility for the program extends to older adults earning no more than 120% of the area median income, with rent capped at 30% of their total monthly income. In certain cases, participants may engage in a service exchange, offering activities like gardening or cleaning in return for reduced rent.
To qualify, homes must be located within San Diego County and must have a good standing regarding utility, tax, and rent or mortgage payments. The program employs a comprehensive matching process based on participants’ goals, preferences, and lifestyles, which includes outreach, screening, assessments, and regular check-ins.
With an estimated cost of $311,000, the program will be evaluated for outcomes and is set to launch in early summer 2024. Outreach efforts will target the senior services and homeless communities to ensure maximum participation. More information, including application details, will be made available online in the coming weeks.
County Housing and Community Development Services, responsible for implementing the program, currently provides affordable housing opportunities to over 40,000 people annually through various housing initiatives. Since 2017, the county has invested more than $279 million in affordable housing, resulting in the opening of almost 1,800 units, with an additional 3,265 units in progress. Once completed, these developments are expected to provide homes for nearly 21,000 people, aligning with the County’s Housing Blueprint in response to the regional housing crisis.
