Showering Love in the Midst of Florida’s Aging Homeless Crisis
At Showering Love, we meet hundreds of individuals each week who are experiencing homelessness—but one group is growing quietly and rapidly: our senior guests. In Florida, where 1 in 5 residents is over the age of 65, this issue is not only pressing—it’s heartbreaking.
The Face of Homelessness is Aging
Florida has one of the highest proportions of older adults in the country—and with that comes an alarming rise in older adult homelessness. In 2023, 27% of Florida’s homeless population were seniors, and the number is steadily increasing as more older adults fall into poverty and lose access to stable housing.
Studies have indicated that the number of homeless seniors is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. In fact, projections based on analyses of major U.S. cities estimate that homelessness among older adults will nearly triple by 2030.
At Showering Love, we've observed this trend firsthand. In our recent guest survey, 13.8% of individuals reported never having used our services before—and that number is steadily increasing. Many of these first-time guests are seniors, reflecting the growing crisis among older adults experiencing homelessness.
Many are living far below the poverty line, surviving on just $553–$943 a month in Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Add to that an average rent of $1,702, and it becomes clear how so many of our elders end up without shelter. (nlihc.org)
Always - Thank you for your support, Bombas!
Rising housing costs, minimal income, and deep shortages in affordable housing have left many seniors with no choice but to live on the streets—or in their cars, if they’re lucky. These aren’t just numbers. They are real people—grandparents, veterans, retired caregivers—whose only current lifeline may be a visit from a Showering Love bus.
What Our Guests Are Telling Us
We recently surveyed the guests we serve through our mobile showers, and the results highlight the immense challenges they face:
86.2% had used our mobile shower before
70.2% said it had been 3–5 days since their last shower
94.1% live on the streets, while only 3.8% have a car to sleep in
90.8% are unemployed
93% say they need help with food stamps
53.5% need assistance with getting an ID
91.1% are not receiving any formal help or benefits
Nearly 100% are single and without consistent support
Among those surveyed, a significant number are seniors:
26.8% are aged 55–64
13.8% are 65–74
1.5% are 75+
Many of these seniors haven’t had the luxury of clean running water in days. Imagine being in your 60s or 70s, sleeping on the sidewalk, and not being able to shower for nearly a week in Florida’s heat and humidity.
Why a Shower Means So Much More
When seniors step into one of our mobile shower units, it’s not just about soap and water—it’s about restoring a piece of their humanity. Each person receives a clean towel, hygiene supplies, new undergarments, a spritz of perfume or cologne, and something even more essential: dignity.
That moment of being seen, respected, and cared for can be the first step toward hope—and hope is everything when you’re navigating homelessness in your senior years.
A Call to Action
Florida’s senior homeless population is growing fast. With nearly 2.35 million older adult households spending more than half their income on rent, many are teetering on the edge of homelessness. A shower might seem simple, but in these circumstances, it’s life-changing.
At Showering Love, we are committed to continuing this service—but we need your help. Whether through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness, you can be part of restoring dignity to our elders.
Because no one should grow old without the basic human right of feeling clean, safe, and loved.
We’re especially grateful to The Jim Moran Foundation for their generous support in helping us serve Florida’s aging homeless population. Their unwavering commitment to compassion, dignity, and equity has been instrumental in allowing us to reach more seniors with the care they so desperately need.
Thanks to their partnership, we’re not just offering showers—we’re offering hope, human connection, and the reminder that our elders are seen, valued, and never forgotten.
Thank you for standing with us—and with them.
