The California Commission on Aging hosted its annual information hearing on June 11, 2026. Titled “Nowhere to Go: Addressing the Crisis in Supportive Housing for Older Californians,” the hearing explored challenges, gaps, and potential solutions for older adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Across four panels, representatives from county offices, state agencies, aging- and housing-focused
nonprofits, and individuals with lived experience addressed a range of critical topics, including supportive housing barriers, capacity needs, financial and regulatory hurdles, progress made under existing programs, and policy considerations.
The proportion of Californians over 50 experiencing homelessness is rising faster than any other age group. According to a University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) report, in 2023, nearly half (48%) of single adults experiencing homelessness were at least 50 years old, compared to 11% in 1990. “California’s population is rapidly aging, but our supportive housing systems have yet to catch up,” said David Lindeman, Chair of the California Commission on Aging. “This hearing was an important first step in identifying ways to improve our existing programs and services to meet the housing needs of our state’s most vulnerable residents.” Older adults face several barriers to exiting homelessness. Housing discrimination, limited income, and age-related health problems, including difficulty with mobility and function, all make locating permanent housing more challenging for older adults (US Interagency Council on Homelessness). “Our minds and bodies change as we age, in ways that unfortunately, our state’s current shelters and supportive housing systems are not designed to support,” said Jeannee Parker Martin, Commissioner
on the California Commission on Aging and President & CEO of LeadingAge California, a housing, care, and services nonprofit for older adults. “This forum presented a unique opportunity to address this
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challenge and create new, more resilient systems that serve all Californians, regardless of age or disability status.”
Programs designed to rehouse older adults have been highly effective in fostering stability for previously unhoused clients. However, the lack of supportive housing for older adults in California makes it difficult for these programs to scale sufficiently to meet increasing demand.
The June 11 discussion marked the second annual information hearing hosted by the California Commission on Aging. The first annual information hearing in May 2025, examined issues with emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts for the Los Angeles wildfires and their disproportionate impacts on older adults.
“Natural disasters take an incredible toll on our communities — especially older adults, who may not be in a position to safely evacuate,” said Karol Swartzlander, Executive Director of the California Commission on Aging. “While we may not think of homelessness in the same way we think of natural disasters, the impact of homelessness on our aging population can be just as — if not more — devastating.”
Following the hearing, the California Commission on Aging will release a report on its findings alongside a policy brief with recommendations for local and state actions to strengthen homelessness prevention, mitigation, and response strategies to improve the lives of older adults. A recording of the hearing is available online.
About the California Commission on Aging
The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) is the principal advocacy body for older Californians, serving as a catalyst for change that supports and celebrates Californians as they age. Guided by core values of fairness, autonomy, respect, integrity, and collaboration, the Commission advises the Governor, Legislature, and state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services affecting older adults, while working closely with public, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Established under the Older Californians Act, CCoA is comprised of 18 volunteer appointees —
representing California’s racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity — who bring expertise as consumers
and providers of aging services, researchers, and academicians. Commissioners serve up to two three year terms and are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate Rules Committee.
