Marin needs housing to serve its aging population

MEHC stands for affordable housing. In Marin, conversations around affordable housing often center on the great need for workforce housing, including teacher housing. We desperately need this housing, but the conversation leaves out another group in great need of affordable housing: older residents.

Marin County is experiencing a demographic transformation. While our population is stable, our over 65 population is exploding- growing 43% from 2010 to 2021.

Many assume that this population is fine. There is a belief that older Marinites are all wealthy homeowners who will just age in place, using home equity to cover their needs. This is not our reality. Marin has many older residents who rent their homes and are highly vulnerable to displacement. And many homeowners cannot or do not wish to age-in-place.

An introduction to these challenges and the need to address senior housing needs are in this Marin Voice, Housing Elements Need to Get Serious About Senior Citizens.

— by Jenny Silva, Board Chair

RESOURCES
We invite you to explore the articles and resources below for more information about housing for older adults.

ARTICLES
The fastest-growing homeless population? Seniors – Calmatters, Ana B. Ibarra, Feb. 10, 2023. Good overview with stats on the growing problem of homelessness among older Californians.
Homeless After 50 – San Francisco Chronicle, March 8, 2019. Multi-media piece.
Finding a Way to Fight Homelessness for Older Adults, Marin IJ, Luke Barnesmoore. Discussed Home Match
America’s homeless population is getting older as more ‘retire onto the streets’  – Los Angeles Times
‘You don’t want to live anymore.’ California’s seniors living in poverty struggle without retirement savings – Los Angeles Times
What Baby Boomers Want (Options!), Senior Housing Delivers Shifting demographics are reshaping complexes built for older Americans, who are looking for a variety of rates and services. – New York Times

REPORT
Older Adult Housing in Marin: Planning for 2030- In depth report on Marin demographic changes and housing needs. by Marin County (including MEHC board member and Marin Action Aging Initiative Program Director, Linda Jackson) and UC Davis. 2018.

HOUSING RESOURCES
California Department of Social Services – Residential Care Facility Search – Tips for finding a facility and search for licensed care facility.
Hello ADU – Assistance in building an ADU. Free for some residents in unincorporated Marin.  
Home Match – Free service to share your home or find a room share. 
C Street Village – Marin CoHousing community

SENIOR RESOURCES
Aging Action Initiative  links to many resources here
Age-Friendly Corte Madera
Age-Friendly Fairfax
Age-Friendly Mill Valley
Age-Friendly Novato
Age-Friendly San Anselmo
Age-Friendly San Rafael
Age-Friendly Sausalito