When we mention Florida to any individual who’s not from the United States, they would think of sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a beautiful state that has so much to offer, but behind its scenic beauty lies a dreadful truth. It’s also widely tackling the issue of homelessness, which leads to hunger, especially among seniors and older people.
A 78-year-old woman named Carolyn has become an unfortunate victim of the homelessness phenomenon in South Florida. For nearly two months, Carolyn has been living in her car, a 22-year-old sedan she affectionately calls “my baby,” since her social security monthly payment isn’t enough to cover her rent and other needs.
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In a video that WSVN-TV published on May 13, the old lady is seen living in a cramped vehicle, where her clothes hang neatly from the back seat and her prized silks, long untouched due to dry-cleaning costs, are stored in the trunk. “I’m a neat freak,” she said, showing the organized layout.
She sleeps upright in the driver’s seat every night, legs crunched and swollen from hours of sitting. “My ankles and legs are swollen from having to sit all the time,” she said. Alas, due to a lack of cash, Carolyn also only eats one meal a day. Spending only $2.02 with a free senior drink. “I buy a jug of water. It’s cheaper,” she added.
With no proper shelter, Carolyn uses her Medicare-sponsored gym membership to shower and clean up every day. The gym has become her go-to place to do the basics. “I go shower and do my makeup, my hair,” she said, holding on to routines that help her preserve dignity. She added.
Currently, Carolyn’s sole income is from Social Security benefits, which are given out to retirees after 62 (70 is preferred for maximum benefits). The department acts as the lifeline for more than 55 million people, as per the Pew Research Centre. Carolyn tried to manage her expenses through the monthly payments, but with inflation, she was left with no options.
Still, she tries to stay optimistic: “I look at it as a journey. I’ve had many journeys in my life.” Meanwhile, once Carolyn’s story caught media attention, Cassandra Ratliff, the housing and social services manager for the City of Pompano Beach, was deeply moved. Shed, it could be my aunt. It could be my mother,” Ratliff said. “It just breaks my heart how humble Carolyn is.”
And as they say, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Cassandra Ratliff has now intervened to help the 78-year-old fierce lady. Carolyn’s car began leaking during a rainstorm, and the city placed her in a temporary hotel while she awaited permanent housing.
Since Florida is prone to floods, especially during hurricane season, which happens due to its flat landscapes and low elevation, Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, said that seniors who are homeless happen to be the most vulnerable. Data shows that in 2019, elders aged 65 and over made up 8% of Miami-Dade County’s homeless population. By 2024, that figure had risen to 14%.
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If this is the pace, the number is expected to reach 22% by 2030. Rent in Florida skyrocketed last year but has come down a little bit to $151 from last year, according to Zillow. Currently, the prices are at $2,349 per month on average. Sadly, the average Social Security check in April was $1,999, leaving many seniors incapable of renting even the most basic houses.
After witnessing Carolyn’s story, Ron Book said, “The face of homelessness has changed,” and urged people to think about the elders in their families, like grandmothers, aunts, and mothers. While the world seems to sympathize with Carolyn’s situation, she puts out a message. She says, “It can happen to anyone. Don’t think it can’t—because I never thought about it.
She added that even though she is ashamed to admit that she was homeless and lived in a car, at the time of crisis, that was the only option that felt right for her. Even in hardship, Carolyn hasn’t lost her spirit — or her sense of humor. “She’s falling apart — like me,” she laughed, referring to her old car.
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With nearly 22% of Florida’s 23 million residents aged 64 or older, cases like these are most likely to happen if a proper strategy is put in place. For a beautiful state that has the largest population of senior citizens and retirees, the urgency behind tackling homelessness and providing permanent housing remains a major concern.
With Florida passing one of the strictest anti-homelessness laws in the US, making it illegal to sleep on sidewalks, benches, or parks, the issue remains more concerning. As for Carolyn, we appreciate her strength and hope she can find a permanent home and never have to sleep in the car again.
