Seniors in San Gabriel Valley Face Housing Crisis Amid Rising Costs

San Gabriel Valley, CA - Seniors in San Gabriel Valley are struggling to afford their housing and other basic needs amid rising rents, food prices, travel and medicine purchases, according to a recent study by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

The study found that more than three-quarters of low-income seniors in Los Angeles County, which includes San Gabriel Valley, are rent-burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income for housing. Of those, more than half are severely rent-burdened, meaning they pay more than 50% of their income for housing.

The study also found that seniors are much more likely to experience housing cost burden than working age renters, and that housing cost burden increases among older renters. The high rents leave little money for other necessities, such as food, transportation, health care and utilities.

Seniors who are rent-burdened also face the risk of eviction, displacement and homelessness, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the housing crisis and the economic hardship for many older adults. Some seniors have reported being evicted for no-fault reasons, such as landlords wanting to sell or renovate their properties, or increase the rent.

San Gabriel Valley is one of the principal valleys of Southern California, lying immediately to the east of the city of Los Angeles and occupying the vast majority of the southeastern part of Los Angeles County. The valley encompasses numerous suburban communities, such as Pasadena, Pomona, Alhambra, Arcadia and West Covina. The valley is known for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, scenic views and artistic attractions.

The study's authors recommend that policymakers and advocates address the housing crisis for seniors by expanding the supply of affordable housing, increasing rental assistance and subsidies, strengthening tenant protections and rights, and providing supportive services and programs for seniors to age in place.