ASK SENATOR CURTIS TO SUPPORT INCREASED FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS THAT REDUCE SENIOR HOMELESSNESS

In 2024 experts estimated that the number of homeless seniors in America could triple by 2030 and it appears we are on track to see that happen.  Here are five things that will help you understand why so many of our parents and grandparents are becoming homeless or at risk of becoming homeless right now in Utah.

1. 22 percent of retirees in the Salt Lake area are renters
2. 27 percent of retirees get all of their monthly income from Social Security.  Unfortunately there is a big overlap between seniors who rent and seniors who get most or all of their income from Social Security.
3. The average Social Security benefit is only $2,026.41 per month.  Those monthly checks add up to just $24,316.92 per year.  That is almost $64,000 less than the median income in Salt Lake County for a one person household.If you are earning that median income of $88,300 per year and worried about the high cost of gas and other inflation– imagine having $64,000 less to spend on everything.
4. According to Zillow, the average rent in Utah is $1,795 per month.  Social Security benefits are adjusted for inflation every year but for 25 years the average rent in Salt Lake County increased at double the rate of inflation.  That means there are seniors who could afford to rent an apartment at the time they retired who cannot afford it now.
5. Programs that create affordable housing for seniors  or help seniors pay the rent are underfunded.

Right now Congress could do something about that by increasing funding for the Section 202 Housing for the Elderly Program and housing voucher programs that help seniors pay rent.  If you would like to see senior homelessness be reduced please reach out to Senator John Curtis and ask him to support  increased funding for these important programs.

CONTACT SENATOR CURTIS