Emergency Housing Guide

Homelessness continues to increase among older adults, creating a growing need for emergency housing options for this population. As of press time, the federal government is ending many crucial support programs for these populations. Emergency housing is a temporary lodging solution for low-income individuals of all ages facing homelessness.

Homelessness in America continues to reach record highs in 2025, and indications are that it will continue to rise. According to 2025 research by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of homeless Americans increased by a whopping 18% in just one year, from 653,104 homeless in 2023 to 771,480 in 2024. 

Much of that increase, according to an NPR report, is among senior adults. This "gray wave" is driven by inflation and a lack of affordable and accessible housing for older people with disabilities. Cuts in federal programs under the Trump administration will also start to affect many senior adults in 2026, especially those currently receiving Medicaid.

Seniors on fixed incomes may not be able to respond to the increasing rental costs across the country. Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition suggests that no state in the union has an adequate supply of affordable rental housing for low-income renters.

Because of these factors, shelters continue to serve more older adults, with a marked rise in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness. And while this increase has led to some increased government aid for seniors to provide support for the homeless, it has not been enough to counter the increased number of people, especially seniors, who seek shelter.

Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, offers a temporary solution by providing shelter to people facing housing instability. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. 

Emergency housing aims to help people who are considered low income, but this definition varies based on the state. A common benchmark is the federal poverty guideline. Based on that parameter, a single adult is considered "low income" if their annual income is $15,650 or less in 2025. For a couple, the amount increases to $21,150, even in the most affordable states for seniors. 

Local nonprofits often place people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, older adults who are low on funds and might not be able to pay rent, and seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons, can use emergency housing.

Many cities have their own emergency housing programs, along with nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access for people without computers or Wi-Fi. The list below provides websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance.

Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online. The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which helps seniors experiencing homelessness find local shelters or transitional housing. 

The service also connects seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, energy assistance like heating bills, and funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance.

Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 have requirements to qualify.

Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to connect with the programs and resources they need.

Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program offers low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA).

This program enables and encourages participants to select their own housing. Their choices do not need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income toward their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder.

President Trump has proposed significant reductions for this program, also known as "Section 8" housing, for 2026. This proposed budget eliminates 51% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) funding and includes ending a number of HUD programs, including Section 8. Instead, HUD would give block grant funding to states to manage their own rental assistance programs.

Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. Generally, the family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income.

Contact your local public housing agency.

The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable senior housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. Section 202 often has lengthy waiting lists, and President Trump's 2026 budget would transfer ownership of this program to the states.

This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older.

Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability posted on Grants.gov.

The federal government's HUD-VASH program provides veterans experiencing homelessness with access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide.

To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. 

If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH.

Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838.

Click on the map to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state.

When your parent runs out of money, what are their options? Low-income seniors who aren't in nursing homes, assisted living, or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. You can also check out Caring's financial and legal resource hub.

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