Promising practices for aging in the right place (AIRP) for homeless-experienced older adults

Mahmood, A, Canham, SL, Danielsen, C., Konkin, J., & Patille, R. (2023, Jun). Promising practices for aging in the right place (AIRP) for homeless-experienced older adults [panel presentation]. John K. Friesen Conference, Vancouver, BC.    

Abstract

Recognizing housing as a fundamental right amidst increasing rates of homelessness in later life, this session will focus on the unique vulnerabilities of homeless-experienced older adults—those aged 50 and older—and models of housing and services that support this unique population. This symposium will include four presentations.  1) This session will begin with an overview of the AIRP project and the AIRP framework guiding a 5-year multi-city project funded through SSHRC-CMHC. 2) This will be followed by a reflection of on how homelessness in mid-to-late life presents unique challenges for older adults and their housing and support service needs by a living-experience expert.  3)The third speaker will be the lead of a community-based organization (Whole Way House)  who will highlight the key features of a promising practice that works to combat isolation and loneliness among homeless-experienced veterans and seniors through the building of healthy communities in social housing. 4) The final speaker will present preliminary findings from two of the Vancouver AIRP sites - a) Transitional housing managed by Seniors Service Society and b) Affordable permanent housing with support services provided by Whole Way House. This presentation will  showcase the strengths and challenges of how these models support the unique vulnerabilities and lifestyles of homeless-experienced older adults. In summary, this symposium will offer attendees useful insight on how older adults experiencing homelessness can be supported as we work to close the gap between research, practice, and policy and advocate for housing justice.