Patterns of Shelter Use Among Men New to Homelessness in Later Life: Duration of Stay and Psychosocial Factors Related to Departure

Few researchers have focused on the trends and typologies of older people who find themselves homeless for the first time in late life. Yet, adults facing homelessness for a first time in older age are reported to have different experiences and service needs than those who are aging in situations of chronic homelessness. Such differences can be important where policy and community-based planning are concerned. This article analyzes how age and psychosocial vulnerability work together to affect patterns of shelter use among men who use the shelter system for the first time (i.e., first-time homelessness) to inform policies and practices for older people who are homeless.