Acorns’ Post

With inflation outpacing wage growth, even the best financial literacy efforts cannot fully bridge the gap. Not to mention social security and our aging populations not being able to afford rent, let alone food. It's time for a broader conversation on sustainable economic reforms that ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living. We must push for policies that not only educate but also empower individuals financially.

The intersection between older Americans and housing instability is getting more alarming all the time, and particularly as more people need living supports such as assisted living or memory care. There will need to be significant policy and resource investments in the coming years to address this. #olderamericansmonth

This is a gesture from Michigan, spearheaded by Representative Rashida Tlaib, that on the surface, glimmers with promise, aiming to sprinkle a bit of financial relief onto emancipated minors and those under the age of 30, in a bid to combat homelessness and pave pathways to education and housing stability. But, pause and look with critical thought, because while the intention might seem kind, the execution and underlying assumptions, are ripe for a critical breakdown. First, tackle the elephant in the room: cash assistance for three years. On paper, it sounds like a lifeline, doesn't it? A financial buoy in the relentless sea of economic despair that many young folks find themselves drowning in. But let's not mince words here—this is but a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It's a temporary fix to a systemic plague. The root causes of homelessness and educational barriers aren't just about the lack of cash; they're deeply embedded in the fabric of societal failures—inequitable education systems, lack of affordable housing, systemic racism, and unreliable job market . Handing out cash without addressing these systemic issues is failure from jump. It's a gesture, sure, but it's hardly a solution. Get to the foundations of the problem and start the real work there. In the schools that fail our youth before they even have a chance to dream of college? Or neighborhoods where violence and despair overshadow playgrounds and parks; mental health crisis that is underfunded and stigmatized? Now why the notion of focusing on youth under 30? Are we to assume that once you hit the big 3-0, all struggles dissipate? Hardly. The reality is, economic hardship, homelessness, and the barriers to education and employment are not confined to those under 30. They're pervasive, cutting across all ages, and to pretend otherwise is to ignore the lived realities of millions. To genuinely attack homelessness, educational and housing inequity, then let's talk holistic, long-term solutions. Investing in affordable housing on a massive scale, reforming an education system that leaves too many behind, creating job opportunities that offer dignity and a future, mental health services that are accessible and comprehensive, community programs that support families and individuals before they're on the brink. Not hand out cash to a crisis, but prevent the crises, in the first place. The road to emancipation, demands systemic change, a shift in societal priorities, and a commitment to equity and justice FOR ALL, irrespective of age. The brilliance of any proposal isn't its immediate relief but, in its capacity, to address the roots of the problem, challenge the status quo, and lay the groundwork for a future where every individual, regardless of age, has the opportunity to thrive. That's the kind of radical reimagining we need, the kind that looks beyond the surface. Stop pretending, we do not have the solutions to the problems and check the egos and integrity and do real work.

The report, "Pathways into and out of Housing Insecurity and Homelessness," explains that age-related experiences such as retirement, new chronic health conditions, or changes in ability further strain tenuous housing arrangements. Ultimately, there are not enough affordable housing options to meet the needs of older adults with limited budgets and accessibility needs, and personal care services are not always comprehensive or adequate. Read more: https://ow.ly/rB3I50RxEgp.

🏠💼 Are you aware of the housing crisis facing older Americans? The latest report by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies reveals that as our population ages, we are ill-prepared to adequately house and care for the growing number of seniors. This issue affects us all and demands our attention. As real estate and marketing professionals, we have a role to play in finding creative solutions to this pressing problem. Let's explore some key takeaways from the report: ✨ Lack of government assistance: Many older adults are forced to forgo needed care or rely on family and friends due to insufficient government support. This can lead to homelessness, as we've seen with individuals like Michael Genaldi, who experienced a series of unfortunate events that left him without a home. ✨ Inadequate housing options: Federal housing assistance is currently only sufficient for a little over a third of eligible renters aged 62 and over. We need to think outside the box and consider alternative housing solutions such as house or apartment sharing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and cohousing communities. ✨ Financial struggles: Over the next decade, the number of Americans over 75 will increase by 45%, and many of them will face financial challenges. In 2021, nearly 11.2 million older adults were considered "cost burdened," spending more than 30% of their income on housing. ✨ Disparities in cost burden: Older people of color, especially Black and Latino households, are more likely to be cost burdened than older white households. Additionally, those living alone are more likely to face financial challenges than couples. We must come together as a community to address this crisis and find innovative solutions. Let's use our expertise in real estate and marketing to advocate for change and support initiatives that provide affordable and accessible housing for older Americans. Together, we can make a difference. 💪 #SeniorHousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #AgingPopulation #CreativeSolutions #HousingForAll #CommunitySupport

Over the next few weeks I'm doing something bold. I’m diving into some of the major issues that are shaping the future of Australia and sharing my raw thoughts to open the disucssion. Today, we’re starting with one of the most pressing—housing and its affordability. I discuss the harsh reality many young Australians are facing: how will they ever afford a home? With rising costs of living, from groceries to rent, many are struggling to make ends meet, let alone save for a house. The expectation that the next generation will inherit their parents’ home is becoming increasingly unrealistic, and that’s a problem we can’t ignore. But this issue goes deeper than just affordability. As our population ages, and millennials begin to enter their later years, we’re staring down the barrel of a social crisis—where will everyone live if housing remains out of reach? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m committed to being part of the solution. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing what we’re doing at Kismet, as well as my personal efforts to address homelessness here in Victoria. It's a complex challenge, but together, I believe we can make a difference.

What can we do to reduce these shocking disparities?

"Number of unhoused people 65 and older could triple by 2030" - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 💡 Wealth concentrated in the hands of few has left many behind, and the numbers speak volumes. Did you know the number of unhoused individuals aged 65 and older could triple by 2030? This startling projection underscores the urgency of addressing wealth inequality and its consequences. It's time to act decisively. #WealthInequality #ElderlyHomelessness #SocialJustice #InequalityCrisis #TakeActionNow 🏠 https://lnkd.in/gr7kwU_3

Senior homelessness is a growing crisis that demands our attention. Recent articles reveal alarming statistics and delve into the root causes, from inadequate social safety nets to the rising cost of living. It's clear that action is needed. How can we, as a community and as professionals, address this urgent issue? Let's share ideas, advocate for policy changes, and support organizations making a difference. Together, we can create a future where no senior is left without a home. What steps can we take today to make this vision a reality? #EndHomelessness #SupportOurSeniors #CommunityAction

During #HispanicHeritageMonth, it's crucial to reflect on the housing inequities that continue in our community. In 2023, Hispanic residents were twice as likely, and Black residents eight times as likely, to face homelessness compared to white residents. These numbers reveal the deep-rooted impact of redlining, blockbusting, and segregation that persist. The HSA is committed to building a more equitable housing system, helping more Hispanic households achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Learn more by visiting our data dashboard: https://bit.ly/3At2t12 #HousingInequality #KentCounty