Partnering with Purpose: Health Roads & St. Mary’s Center—Advocating for Homeless Seniors in Alameda County

A Growing Crisis Among Our Elders

Alameda County is experiencing a troubling shift: seniors are now among the fastest-growing populations facing homelessness. Across California, adults aged 55+ accessing homelessness services increased by 84% between 2017 and 2021, compared to only a 7% increase in that demographic overall, according to CalMatters. Locally, seniors now make up 19% of the unhoused population, a steep rise from 10% in 2017. A recent UCSF study underscores that fixed-income older adults simply cannot keep pace with skyrocketing housing costs, cementing their position as the fastest-growing unhoused group statewide.

Health Roads Steps Up

At St. Mary’s Center’s annual Gala—an event radiating hope and unity—Health Roads was honored to join as an advocate-level contributor. Despite being modest in resources, our commitment to justice-focused community-based organizations shines brightly.

Moreover, we supported the Center beyond donations. We lent our expertise to fortify their readiness for CalAIM services—overhauling staff policies, fine-tuning procedural frameworks, and delivering essential training. It’s about setting them up for sustainable, high-impact care, not just tonight, but well beyond.

Building Bridges Together

Our team photos from the gala—sharing smiles with St. Mary’s staff and fellow allies—capture a promise: we’re “building a bridge of collaboration.” That bridge carries hope, dignity, and concrete support for vulnerable seniors who deserve nothing less.

At Health Roads, we’re reminded: our means may be limited, but our care is limitless. Together, we stand on the side of equity, compassion, and deeply needed social care.