New data from Partners Ending Homelessness shows a steady increase in homelessness for older adults in Monroe County.
Nicholas Coulter, co-founder and chief of development and community engagement for the Person Centered Housing Options, during an interview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Of the nearly 1,194 county residents experiencing homelessness, 265 people are 55 and older, according to the Point-In-Time Count results.
That's up from 196 in 2024.“When I say to you I didn't want to die in the street today, I'm home, thanks to (“This program made a difference in my life,” he said.“I’d get up in the morning, I leave at 6 o'clock and I go to the Y, stayed until 8 o'clock," he said. To get off the streets, Whitt would ride the bus until the last stop at night, then go to the waiting room overnight at Strong Memorial Hospital. He could visit his brother's house to shower, but he wasn't allowed to stay. “I knew I was at the end of the road man, at 73 years old," he said. "I didn't know what I was going to do." Whitt said he experienced homelessness before in New York City. During that era, he fell to a low point, becoming addicted to drugs and later arrested and served time — a time that stayed at the forefront of his mind. “I knew what could have happened," he said. "Start drinking, start drugging. You don't take care of yourself; your hygiene falls apart.”referred him to PCHO to help find him permanent housing. A case worker helped him submit paperwork, and due to his age and medical concerns, the process was expedited.“We focus on some of those folks because they're so vulnerable that that without us, they can't get housing," said Nicholas Coulter, PCHO's co-founder and chief of development and community engagement. About 30% of households served by PCHO are for people 45 and older. The nonprofit said seniors are especially vulnerable when you consider rising costs, particularly for housing that outpace many older people’s fixed incomes. “Housing has become more expensive," Coulter said. "Rents are increasing by roughly nine to 10% annually, according to HUD."“At the age of 73 and health problems, these people saved my life, man," he said. "I know they saved my life."PCHO said on average, it takes about four to six months, and sometimes it is longer to house people experiencing homelessness. According to experts, housing options for older adults are improving in our area.
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