CENTRAL FLORIDA \u2014 We are seeing a startling trend in our own backyard: seniors are now the largest group experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. It\u2019s a trend being seen across the country according to HUD.<\/p>\n
Chris Ham, the CCEO of the Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford, said the number of seniors they\u2019re serving is only growing. He said older adults simply cannot keep up with rising costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife took its toll as it sometimes does,\u201d Patty Kishbaugh, a resident at the Rescue Outreach Mission, said.<\/p>\n
Kishbaugh is a lifelong resident of Central Florida. After she retired, her relationship with her partner ended, and she found herself no longer having a home to live in.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, it was scary,\u201d Kishbaugh said. \u201cA new environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kishbaugh couldn\u2019t afford to live somewhere on her own on a fixed income and found herself in and out of shelters. Something Ham said they see far too often.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many of our seniors they worked for 20, 30, 40 years,\u201d Ham said. \u201cThey can\u2019t always get a job. There\u2019s not a lot of places for them to go. A lot of them want to work, but it\u2019s a huge challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ham said the organization provided permanent housing to 70 people in 2021, compared to 227 in 2025. The majority of those being seniors or kids younger than 18.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s retired folks in your community who are really struggling financially,\u201d Ham said. \u201cMore than 40% of Americans have less than $500 saved. That\u2019s a huge challenge for our senior folks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kishbaugh is now living at the Rescue Outreach Mission.<\/p>\n
A case worker is helping her find affordable housing while she gives back by volunteering in their kitchen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat right there lifted my spirits, and it brought me back to where I needed to be,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Rescue Outreach Mission is always looking for community support. Whether that\u2019s by volunteering your time or making financial donations. You can call at 407-321-8224 or email at info@romcfl.org.<\/p>\n
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