Between medical costs, food, seniors find it harder to make rent in Portland

Portland, Oregon's rising rents are seeing an increase in the homeless population, and those at risk of homelessness, particularly among the 55+population, which has seen a jump of 23% between 2013 - 2015. A not-for-profit is trying to launch a test program to provide long-term vouchers to about 50 people on fixed incomes to help them cover their rent so they can stay in their apartment or move directly into a new one if they're homeless. It estimates a cost of $7,000 a year to keep seniors in their homes or find houses for homeless seniors compared to $8,000 to $10,000 for a publicly funded shelter bed, which can jump to $20,000 for older or disabled people who need more health and transportation help.