As housing costs continue to rise, older adults are increasingly turning to home sharing as a viable solution to remain in their homes. Shirley Jennett, a 89-year-old retired nurse in Denver, exemplifies this trend by welcoming 79-year-old Susan Beese into her home, allowing both women to benefit from reduced living expenses and companionship. Jennett pays $800 monthly for a two-bedroom space, while Beese assists with household tasks, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement reminiscent of the 'Golden Girls' sitcom.
The initiative is supported by Sunshine Home Share Colorado, a nonprofit founded in 2016 to address the urgent need for affordable housing options for seniors. With a record 31 home shares facilitated last year, the organization highlights the growing demand for such arrangements as many older adults find themselves cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing. This issue is compounded by rising rents and property taxes, leaving many seniors on fixed incomes struggling to maintain their homes.
Legislators across the U.S. are recognizing the potential of home sharing, with several states introducing bills to promote these arrangements. These 'Golden Girls' bills aim to ease restrictions on unrelated individuals living together, thereby increasing housing options for both seniors and younger adults facing similar financial pressures. While home sharing is not a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis, it offers a practical approach to utilizing existing housing stock and fostering community among residents.
As the trend gains traction, online platforms are emerging to streamline the matching process between homeowners and seekers, making it easier for individuals to find compatible living arrangements. With support from local governments and a growing network of organizations, home sharing could play a significant role in addressing the housing challenges faced by older adults and younger generations alike.
KFF Health News · Jul 24The funeral of Lloyd Gilmore, who died in police custody on June 10, has reignited discussions about police brutality and racial bias in Sikeston, Missouri. Gilmore, a 44-year-old resident with mental health issues, sought help from the police but ended up dead after a physical altercation involving multiple officers. His daughter, Lania Gilmore, expressed her trust in the police, believing they would help her father, highlighting the tragic irony of the situation. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the use of a Taser and hobble restraints, have raised serious concerns among community members about the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement.
Despite a national reckoning on police violence following high-profile cases, local residents feel their concerns are being overlooked. Mark Wiggins, president of the local NAACP, emphasized the need for police to perform their duties without bias, stating that unwarranted killings of Black men persist in America. The community's frustration is compounded by a lack of transparency regarding Gilmore's cause of death, as autopsy results remain pending.
The historical context of racial violence in Sikeston, including past lynchings and police shootings, adds to the urgency of the current situation. Activists and civil rights leaders are calling for systemic changes, including better data collection on in-custody deaths, which disproportionately affect Black men. As funding for racial equity initiatives declines, the fight for justice and accountability continues, with community leaders urging for sustained attention to these critical issues.
KFF Health News · Jul 23In Thomasville, Georgia, the community faces significant public health challenges as funding for a crucial $19.8 million Community Change Grant has been rescinded. This grant, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden administration, aimed to address environmental health risks in historically marginalized neighborhoods, particularly Dewey City. The area, which has a legacy of disinvestment due to historical redlining, suffers from deteriorating infrastructure, including an aging wastewater system that has contaminated local water sources. The grant's termination comes after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which the current administration has linked to the funding cuts.
The implications of this funding loss are profound, as community leaders and health advocates argue that it will exacerbate existing health disparities. Jalonne White-Newsome, a former federal chief environmental justice officer, expressed concern that the decision reflects a broader disregard for public health and justice, particularly for marginalized populations. The proposed project included plans to remove hazardous materials from homes and establish a health clinic, which would have significantly improved access to healthcare for residents.
Local officials, including Thomasville Mayor Pro Tem Lucinda Brown, highlighted the financial struggles of residents who cannot afford necessary home repairs, emphasizing the urgent need for support. The community's hopes for revitalization have been dashed, leaving many to question the rationale behind the funding cuts. In response, a class-action lawsuit has been filed by various organizations seeking to reinstate the grants, arguing that the projects are essential for addressing environmental health inequities. As the situation unfolds, the future of public health initiatives in Thomasville and similar communities remains uncertain.
KFF Health News · Jul 23