Growing older should bring a greater sense of security, not greater uncertainty.
For Barbara, each month began with an impossible calculation.
Living with ongoing health concerns meant she depended on medication to stay healthy. But after losing her SNAP benefits, the money that had once helped put food on the table disappeared. Because she was classified as a working-age adult despite her medical challenges, she no longer qualified for assistance.
The loss of nearly
$300 in monthly food benefits placed an overwhelming burden on her already limited income. The same dollars she now needed to buy groceries also had to cover medication, transportation, and other necessities.
Some months, there simply wasn't enough.
Barbara found herself asking a question no one should ever have to answer:
Do I buy the medication I need to stay healthy, or do I buy the food I need to survive?
As housing became increasingly out of reach, those choices became even more difficult. Without a stable place to live, managing her health was no longer just about taking medication. Keeping medical appointments, getting adequate rest, and recovering from ongoing health concerns became daily challenges. Each day was focused on making it through the next, leaving little time or energy to focus on healing.
Everything began to change when Barbara arrived at CASS's The Haven.
Designed specifically for older adults experiencing homelessness, The Haven gave Barbara something she had been missing for far too long: stability.
For the first time in months, she had a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals, and the support of a case manager who helped her navigate the next steps forward. With her most basic needs met, Barbara no longer had to choose between eating and caring for her health. She could focus on healing instead of simply surviving.
With the support of her case manager, Barbara reconnected with healthcare providers, continued managing her medical needs, and began working toward long-term stability. The constant worry that had consumed so much of her energy slowly gave way to something she hadn't felt in a long time: hope.
Healing didn't happen overnight.
But with time, consistent support, and a safe place to recover, Barbara began to regain her strength, her confidence, and her sense of independence.
Today, Barbara continues moving forward with the support she needs to build a healthier, more stable future. While her journey is still unfolding, she no longer has to face it alone. She has a community beside her, the resources to support her, and the stability to focus on what comes next.
Barbara's story is a reminder that homelessness is rarely caused by a single event. For many older adults, it is the result of rising costs, unexpected setbacks, declining health, and impossible choices that slowly erode stability. Sometimes, all it takes is one lost resource to put someone's health and housing at risk.
At CASS's The Haven, older adults receive more than emergency shelter. They receive the time, support, and compassionate care needed to regain their footing and move forward with dignity.
Because everyone deserves a safe place to heal.
To protect client privacy, names and identifying details may have been changed. This story is shared with permission and reflects the experiences of many older adults served through CASS programs.
