Increase in homeless seniors in Maine worries experts [Video]

According to a recent federal report of 650,000 people experiencing homelessness last year, more than 100,000 were over the age of 55. Experts and outreach organizations agree the problem is becoming worse in Maine but acknowledge, there’s limited data to validate what they observe. However, records from MaineHousing show a spike in homelessness among those 55 and up in 2021 linked, in large part, to the rising cost of housing.Karla Hussey says she works full-time at a big box store in southern Maine but cannot find anywhere affordable to rent. She lives in a small, damaged camper without running water in rural York County. She previously lived in her car.“A camper is way better than living in your car,” Hussey said, while also pointing to her tough living conditions, including sleeping on a foldable table because her space is too small for a bed. Hussey lost her long-term above-garage space …