WCVB-TV News (ABC): Prof. Byrne Shares Expertise on Rising Homelessness Among the Elderly
In an interview with WCVB-TV News (ABC) , Prof. Thomas Byrne from BU School of Social Work discussed rising homelessness among the elderly, its causes, and recommended next steps state and federal governments can take to reduce and prevent it in the future. He encouraged those in power to emulate the successful approach of Veteran Affairs, which decreased veteran homelessness by more than 50%.
Excerpt from “Number of Older Adults Facing Homelessness on the Rise in Massachusetts,” originally aired Sept. 15, 2023:
Byrne said the issues that come with age, including increasing medical problems and fixed homes, aren’t a match for the Commonwealth’s rapidly rising housing costs.
‘From a moral standpoint, no one would want to see their own parents or grandparents living on the street. As a society, we just shouldn’t accept that. But also, from a public policy standpoint, it makes a lot of sense to actually provide housing to people who are experiencing homelessness and older adults in particular. We, as a society, are going to pay a lot in shelter, health care, and nursing home costs if people who are older and homeless remain on the streets. If we place people in housing, it’s going to be better for them and it’s going to be better for the public purse in terms of avoiding expensive health care and nursing home costs.’”