EASTERN, Shore Md. – Homelessness remains a problem in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community; There was a 77% increase in homelessness from 2018 to 2024.

This increase has authorities worried, but local groups and shelters are hopeful they can provide support to help older people find a place to call home. Ken Argot, Executive Director of Diakonia, thinks this has been difficult in recent years.

“In order for us to house the homeless with government funds, they have to meet the fair market rental value of $1,050 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. Well, those things are very hard to find anywhere.”

The elderly homeless population is only a fraction of the overall homeless population, and while overall numbers have fallen, the elderly homeless population has increased further. Pastor Anthony Dickerson of the Christian shelter believes this is due to inadequate housing conditions.

“We have elderly people who work all their lives, but they can’t, it’s like they’re not getting a return on their investment.”

Accommodation for the elderly is also not a viable option; Argot had to help a person in a similar situation. “Our goal is to get people back to their homes within 90 days; A year ago, we had a senior who stayed at our shelter all year because we had to wait for a waiting list bed that came up at senior housing.

Christian Shelter had a success story; They were able to help a male transition into the nest. “Wow, I’m paying my debt back to the community, it was a sense of belonging, we were able to connect them to the Village of Pine Bluff and they were able to get the property and the rest is history.”

You can donate to Diakonia here Here.

You can donate to Christian Shelter Here.