More older adults are homeless in Des Moines
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Homelessness is rising in Des Moines compared to last year, with a notable increase among seniors ages 65+, according to a new report from local nonprofit Homeward.
Driving the news: Local data shows that 779 people were experiencing homelessness in Polk County during a single night, Jan. 29-30 — a 9% increase from the same time last year.
- The local homeless population is also aging. Seniors (65+) made up 6% (44 people) of the total this year, up from 3.5% (20 people) last year.
- The point-in-time survey measures both sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness on one designated night.
State of play: Seniors often rely on fixed incomes or disability benefits and have limited ability to increase their earnings, even as inflation drives up living costs, says Homeward executive director Angie Arthur.
- The recent increase in homelessness is attributable to the end of pandemic aid that helped keep people afloat the last few years, such as supplemental SNAP benefits and housing assistance.
Zoom in: Matt Hauge of Polk County Housing Trust Fund says he's concerned that recent federal policy proposals could put vulnerable seniors at greater risk.
- Half of Iowa's nursing home residents use Medicaid as their main payment source, as of 2024.
- The U.S. House recently passed a bill that includes billions in Medicaid cuts.
- President Donald Trump's FY26 budget proposal includes a 43% cut in federal rental assistance, per the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
The intrigue: Around 29,500 Iowa senior households are extremely low-income, which is considered at or below the federal poverty guideline of $15,650 for a single person.
- Seniors make up 31% of Iowa's 95,000 extremely low-income households, per the Housing Coalition.
The bottom line: Addressing homelessness is a complex, community issue, Arthur says.
- She encourages people to learn more about the local five-year plan to improve it in Polk County.