Housing Crisis and Homelessness

By Cole Ward

Across the country, housing among Elders has become a growing concern. American Indian and Alaska Natives experience a rate of homelessness at a higher rate than most populations. For example, in the northern Midwest, over one-third of American Indians have experienced homelessness during their lifetime (Willie, Kemp, Greenfield, & Walls, 2017).

Unaffordable Housing

Meanwhile, in Alaska, housing is the number one priority for the state as the cost of living has increased by 25% in the past few years. It is not a reach to assume that some Elders may have been displaced since they were children being taken away to boarding schools. Not surprisingly, homelessness and the lack of housing is a growing concern for Native Elders as they are some of the most vulnerable people in society.

At Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) in Fairbanks, Alaska, after Karen Eddy, Title VI director, leaves work, she checks to make sure the Elders are not in the homeless camps because she knows that it can lead to additional consequences such as food insecurity, lack of healthcare, or other social challenges like mental health issues. The consequences of homelessness can be even more severe in the winter as temperatures can stay below zero for long periods of time.

Money Management Assistance

As a result, Karen makes it a priority to ask the Elders she works with about their living situations and how they plan to afford rent. In addition, she makes sure they are prioritizing their money to pay for their basic needs and housing. Yet, Elders often ask for additional resources or classes that highlight how to manage their money, which is often on a set budget. Luckily, some of FNA's partners are able to provide assistance.

However, some Elders need additional assistance. For example, much like the general population, some Elders may spend too much money on outside activities and lose track of paying their rent. These situations sometimes require Karen or her staff to ask tough questions to help get the Elder back on track. Other situations may require help from medical personnel or other professionals to help Elders overcome addictions.

These examples from FNA highlight that there is no single solution or quick fix for Elders without places to call home. In other words, some may need a warm meal and a place to sleep for the night, while others may need extensive help.

Unmet Needs

Karen also mentions that the data provided from the National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA) through the Title VI Needs Assessment Survey has aided her in narrowing FNA's focus on unmet needs. For example, the survey revealed that Elders needed help with finances and home modifications.

With this updated information, Karen and her staff continue to focus on programs to help Elders with managing their money. The survey also underscored the need for mental health resources for Elders, which has been compounded by events from the past like historical trauma and by stresses such as homelessness.

Outside of FNA, tribes or villages may try to offset these same concerns by providing tribal housing, stipends, meals, transportation to health appointments, as well as other benefits to further the well-being of Elders. For one of the most vulnerable populations in society, tribes prioritize their Elders and the needs of Elders. Similarly to FNA, each tribe experiences different concerns from Elders and adapt their approach to meet these challenges.