Minority elderly have higher poverty rates than non-minority. According to the St. Louis Department of Human Services, 18.3 percent of those over the age of 60 in the City live below the poverty level. Lack of income results in housing problems. Although many elderly have incomes that are above the poverty line, they are still living on a very limited budget. This results in a large part of their income going toward rent.
Problems develop if they own their home and the home needs repairs.
Major repairs, such as a new roof, may be totally impossible for seniors on limited incomes and this in turn causes a variety of other problems. The list would be much longer but the agency stopped taking names when the number reached 1,500. Obtain a dedicated funding source from the local community for community-based services. This might include a sales tax, corporate sponsorships, or public funding. Increase available services through collaborative efforts, and grants.