Ruth
Ruth was 78 years old, legally blind and had been homeless for 5
years when we met her in the City Shelter. She travelled by bus and train from one homeless shelter
to another between Chicago, IL and Hartford, CT. She became transient in order to avoid being
returned to a nursing home environment. Ruth was one of the people that we planned for the Shelter of the Cross to assist. Unfortunately, she fell and broke her hip before Shelter of the Cross opened its doors and is currently wheelchair-bound in a nursing home in the Chicago area.
Who They Are
The elderly homeless individuals who are candidates for The Shelter of the Cross belie all stereotypes. They come from a cross-section of economic, racial and cultural groups. Each individual is unique in his reasons for becoming homeless and his needs to escape from homelessness. Some suffer from psychiatric disabilities, others from substance abuse, loss of jobs and domestic disputes. Several are highly educated, others illiterate. Most suffer from medical complications due to years of neglect of their health. Diabetes, hypertention, arthritis, heart disease, amputations due to frostbite, are some of the conditions from which our residents suffer.We consider each applicant individually and approach each resident with consideration of his strengths and life experiences. We build on their skills and successes. As the program goal for each resident is to achieve permanent housing within two years, this is the foremost consideration in the development of their individual plans.
Statistics
Homelessness Is a National, State and Local Problem: In 2001 the National Law Center on Homeless and Poverty estimated:* Connecticut Coalition To End Homelessness Report, January 2002. We estimate that 5% to 10% of the homeless population is elderly. Since opening our doors in March 1998 we have served over 55 elderly homeless individuals. However, during this same period of time over 150 referrals have been made to our home.
- 750,000 people in the US are homeless on any given night.
- Approximately 5 to 10 million people experience homelessness at some time during their lifetime.
- In Connecticut 20,000* people were turned away from emergency shelters due to lack of beds.
The Need
Homelessness has been recognized for many years as a major problem in the U.S. and our government is attempting to address the problem through a variety of programs on all levels - Federal, State and Local. However, the needs of the elderly homeless, who represent 5% to 10% of the homeless population have largely been ignored.The statistics from the City of Danbury are reflective of the national statistics. This group, which we in Danbury have seen to be up to 80 years of age, often suffer from physical disabilities and/or psychiatric conditions, and are often malnourished, isolated, and victimized. Our program addresses the need for supportive housing for the elderly, homeless men and women in the Greater Danbury Area.
Shelter of the Cross exists to serve the specific and immediate needs of this special group of homeless individuals. Within the family environment of our home, we offer professional support and services, referral to community programs and entitlements, the opportunity to build social relationships in an atmosphere of compassion, dignity and hope for the future.
Projections
Data from the 2000 Census indicates that within the next two decades, 20% of the population will be 65 years and older. The anticipated growth in this segment of the homeless population is evident as the "Baby Boomer" population continues to age, and as the availability of jobs and affordable and adequate housing continues to diminish through inadequately funded housing programs and the continued gentrification of many formerly affordable neighborhoods.[Home Page]