What happens to people that can't afford a home when they are older? What happens to people that can't afford a home when they are older? People over 50 also make up one of the fastest-growing segments of the unhoused population, increasingly taking up space in shelters, many with healthcare needs. There is no shortage of anti-welfare sentiment in the US and we often try to ignore people living on the street instead of providing them with safe shelter. A 65-year old with a heart condition doesn’t want to be sleeping on the street in the Phoenix heat: that’s just the safest option they can find long term.