Struggling with homelessness, numerous American senior citizens face unyielding hardships
In the sun-drenched city of Phoenix, Arizona, a poignant story of aging homelessness has come to light. Vernon Wedge, a 69-year-old man, found himself homeless for the first time in his life.
Wedge's journey began when he lost his job due to his deteriorating eyesight. As a security camera operator at Dillard's in Arizona, he had worked diligently for 18 years. His savings depleted, he and his son Grant, who struggles with substance abuse, were evicted, leaving them with no place to call home.
On his 70th birthday, Wedge spent the day on the street. But hope came in the form of St. Vincent de Paul, a seniors-only homeless shelter in Phoenix. Here, Wedge found temporary respite, staying for a maximum of two years.
However, Wedge expresses a fervent desire not to be remembered as having died in a homeless shelter. He dreams of a home, a place where he can live out his remaining years with dignity.
Sadly, Wedge is not alone. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emerging Crisis of Aged Homelessness report, more than 42,000 people over 65 in the United States were homeless last year. One such individual is Lori Cowling, who became homeless earlier this year at the age of 80.
Cowling's Social Security check of just over $1,000 is not enough to cover rent for a studio or a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix. The search results do not specifically mention any organization in Phoenix that provides housing for seniors lacking financial means. However, additional local resources such as Area Agencies on Aging or community shelters in Phoenix might typically offer such services.
The plight of seniors like Wedge and Cowling highlights the urgent need for more affordable housing options and support services for the elderly in Phoenix and across the nation. It is a reminder that, even in the heart of sunny Arizona, there are individuals struggling to find a place to call home.
