Causes of Elderly Homelessness
The journey to homelessness is not only a personal story, but also reflects deep social issues in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Expensive living costs
The rent in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from 5-10 million/month VNĐ for a small room, far beyond the means of the elderly who are no longer able to work. Many seniors only earn 30,000-50,000/day VNĐ from selling lottery tickets or collecting scrap, not enough to cover expenses..
- Separated families
With a low birth rate (1.32 children/woman, according to 2023 statistics), many families have only one younger generation, who are busy with work and do not have enough time to take care of their grandparents. Some seniors are abandoned, or choose to leave so as not to bother their children and grandchildren.
- Economic crisis after COVID-19
The pandemic has caused thousands of freelance workers to lose their jobs. The elderly, who do not have new skills, find it difficult to recover. Many were former migrant workers, ran out of money, could not return to their hometowns, and became homeless.
- Declining health
Diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or cardiovascular disease make the elderly lose their ability to work. Without money for medical treatment, they fall into a spiral of poverty and homelessness.
- Rapid urbanization
Ho Chi Minh City is expanding rapidly, demolishing cheap rental housing to make way for high-rise buildings. The poor, especially the elderly, are pushed to the streets, with no shelter.
The Consequences of Neglecting the Homeless Elderly
- Health: Without care, the elderly are susceptible to serious illness, especially in harsh weather conditions. A cold can also lead to serious consequences.
- Mental: Loneliness and despair increase depression, loss of faith in life.
- Society: Homeless people put pressure on the health and social security systems, and increase inequality in the city.
- Ethics: A society that ignores the elderly is a society that loses its human values.
One Health Foundation: Taking Action for Homeless Seniors
At One Health Foundation, We are committed to providing shelter, health, and love to homeless seniors. Our specific actions include:
- Providing necessities
- Health care
Organizing free medical check-ups
- Creating shelters
Supporting the construction of temporary houses and renovating housing for the elderly in suburban areas.
Calling on the government to expand the homeless shelter model.
- Connecting the community
Inviting the elderly to participate in cultural activities and conversations to reduce loneliness.
Creating bridges with families, helping the elderly reunite if possible.
What can you do to change?
Every small action can make a big difference for homeless seniors:
- Donate to raise funds for the elderly and disadvantaged children
- Participate in charity:
Spend a weekend with Health Is Number 1 to distribute meals and chat with the elderly.
- Spread the story:
Share this article on social networks to let more people know about the issue. Call on friends and colleagues to join hands.
Let's rewrite the story together
Homeless seniors are not just a number – they are stories, they are lives. They were once hard-working fathers, sacrificial mothers, or devoted teachers. In the midst of youthful Ho Chi Minh City, don’t let them be forgotten.
One Health Foundation is committed to providing a home and health to every senior. But we need you – the warm hearts – to make that happen.
Bank account: 2011196999999
Account Name: Quy Tu Thien Suc Khoe La So 1
Bank: Ngân hàng TMCP Quân đội - Chi nhánh Bắc Sài Gòn
🌐 Track the journey: https://www.facebook.com/www.ohf.ngo/
