ABSTRACT
In different parts of the world, a variety of contexts, and the mouths of diverse actors, homelessness is often associated with the concept of invisibility. Individual characteristics, geography, and other elements may factor into invisibility. There are reasons why people experiencing homelessness in rural areas may go unseen. First, this group is relatively small. Second, fewer Americans see rural homelessness on a daily basis—such communities are less populated and less dense than major cities. Among those who are 51 and over and experiencing homelessness in rural/suburban areas, 25% are former military. Women are 34% of individual adults experiencing homelessness in rural areas. Across America, communities are wrestling with a lack of affordable housing, low wages, and an insufficient availability of services for those who need them. These factors contribute to homelessness. There are resources available to tackle older adult homelessness in rural America. Homeless services systems offer various housing options throughout the country.
