The Elderly “New Homeless”: An Emerging Population at Risk

Although elderly people who are homeless represent both a small percentage of all elderly people and a small percentage of all those who are homeless, they need special attention. How this subgroup differs from others among the homeless is the focus of this article. The data examined are 125 case records from one public agency and 157 case records from one private agency in Chicago. Findings suggest that elderly people, particularly elderly women, are emerging as the newest group caught in the widening net of homelessness. This group does not fit the stereotypes attributed to the homeless population; nevertheless, elderly people are at high risk and need protective services. Recommendations for emergency and long-term interventions are made.