Research Project

In 2000, 13.5% of Massachusetts's citizens were age 65 or older. By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the 65+ group will constitute 20.9% of the Commonwealth's citizenry.

Hearth has just completed a report called: Ending Elder Homelessness: The Importance of Service-Enriched Housing. The goal of this report is to not only shine light on the complexities and challenges of elder homelessness, but also to offer research-based strategies for ending elder homelessness in our state.

Funded, in part, by a generous grant from The Boston Foundation, Hearth convened a panel of experts in the field of elder affairs to advise Hearth's research on the costs and outcomes of the Hearth services for homeless elders, and to formulate public policy initiatives to better guide and coordinate programs for elder homelessness within the Commonwealth.

Hearth's Policy Advisory Panel includes Massachusetts legislative and administrative leaders, researchers, policy strategists, and professionals who work directly with low-income elders. Hearth is indebted to Drs. Judith Gonyea and Sara Bachman of Boston University's School of Social Work for conducting the research and writing much of the report.

Meet the Research Committee and Advisory Committee.