Our Mission

Hearth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly. This mission is accomplished through a unique blend of prevention, placement, and housing programs all designed to help elders find and succeed in homes of their own.

To this end, all housing operated by Hearth provides a creative array of supportive services that assist residents to age with dignity, regardless of their special medical, mental health, or social needs. Hearth believes these goals are best accomplished through respect for elders and staff, with the desire to see both achieve their highest degree of potential.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Hearth commits to upholding the fundamental principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as the cornerstone of our mission. Our core objective is to eliminate elder homelessness by ensuring equitable access to affordable housing and supportive services.

Our approach is firmly rooted in the values of partnership and collaboration, placing a strong emphasis on self-determination, autonomy, and the intrinsic worth of every individual we interact with, employ, and serve.

Our Beginning

In 1991, seven women formed The Committee to End Elder Homelessness. They came together to answer the question, “how can you be healthy if you don’t have a home?”. Sandra Albright, Anna Bissonnette, Joanne Bluestone, Ruth Cowin, Ellen Feingold, Elsie Frank, and Diana Laskin Siegal believed that the hungry should be fed; the homeless should be housed; the sick should be cared for; and that our elders should be cherished, nurtured, and able to live out their lives with independence and grace.

They realized that elders were a growing percentage of the homeless population and that no one was expressly addressing the issue. Hearth is an expert on the challenges and solutions of ending elder homelessness.

1991 How it started

1 Building, 9 Units

7 Buildings, 228 Units

9 Residents

240 Residents, 225 Outreach Clients

Housing Program

Housing, Outreach, Advocacy Programs

3 Staff

84 Staff

2024 How it’s going

To date nearly 3,000 elders housed.

Who are the homeless older adults?

Older adults experiencing homelessness are parents and grandparents, former teachers and lawyers. They're unable to continue working because of illness, or they've had a life-long struggle with mental illness.

There are 1,700 homeless adults in the Boston area over the age of 50, and they each have their own unique story.

Facts

A great resource for finding facts specific to your state or city is the HUD Homelessness Data Exchange website. On the Public Reports page, you can request information for a specific state, region, city using data from various HUD programs.

33%

The amount elder homelessness is predicted to increase between 2010 and 2020. It is estimated that it will more than double by 2050. (40,750)

204,191

Number of sheltered homeless older adults in the U.S. who are aged 51 to 61.

33%

Percentage of current workers who will likely rely solely on Social Security for all of their retirement income.

$10,248

The gap between the Massachusetts Economic Security Standard of $27,048 and the median income (excluding SSI and public assistance) of $16,800 is the largest faced by elders anywhere in the United States.

0

Number of U.S. states where the average monthly Social Security payment can pay the rent of a one-bedroom apartment.

Barriers to Housing

There are many obstacles homeless older adults and elders face when trying to find housing - and many of the people we serve face multiple barriers.

Barriers to Housing for Elders Living in Shelters or Places Not Meant for Human Habitation.

Number of sheltered homeless people in the U.S. who are aged 62 and older.