TAMPA, Fla. — According to a University of Pennsylvania study, the number of people 65 and older who are homeless will nearly triple by the year 2030.

Aged homelessness is a trend that local shelters like the Tampa Hope Catholic Charities say they are already seeing indications of.

“I never expected to be homeless especially when I have family,” said Eric Cox.

The Plant City native said after working all of his life he never expected to end up in a tent city. His life took a downward spiral after a divorce and illness in 2019.

“I was working at the time and I would have really bad chest pains and pass out,” he said.

He ultimately had open heart surgery and recovered, but could not afford rent and had to live in his car. He recalls wanting to take his own life.

“It was hard to deal with,” he added.

The 58-year-old represents hundreds of newly homeless individuals within the last few years in Tampa Bay.

Cox was asked about the biggest stigma surrounding homelessness. His response was that many people believe that homeless individuals are drug users, dirty, and untrustworthy. While there may be some truth to these stereotypes, he says they do not apply.

In January, the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative completed a census and reported the number of people living on the streets has increased by more than 20%.

Before that, their last count was in February 2022. The study reported more than 1,500 people were without shelter.

Lou Ricardo is the Director of Marketing and donor relations and has been with Tampa Hope Catholic Charities for eight years.

“Very often it’s the story of you lost your job, you became ill, you couldn’t pay and you were out in the street,” said Ricardo.

He said in the recent influx of homeless seeking assistance, he sees the population is older in age and higher cases of substance abuse.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, individuals who are homeless encounter countless obstacles when it comes to attaining good health.

Tampa Hope’s tent city is meant to be a transitional phase in the lives of those seeking shelter. However, Ricardo says that phase is lasting longer because of the shortage in affordable housing.

“We want to anticipate the need,” he said.

Soon the shelter will transition its clients into 100 of their newly installed 65 square foot tiny shelters called ‘Hope Cottages’.

 “We can also add a second bed on the other side and we may do that if we find that we need to increase our capacity,” Ricardo said.

Though not the most ideal setting, Cox considers this transitionary period a blessing. He’s looking forward to moving into one of the cottages if an apartment off-site is not yet available.

“I’m just being patient and waiting on the process,” he said.

Since its launch in 2021, Tampa Hope has provided shelter to more than 640 individuals. Nearly 30% have been discharged to permanent housing, 11% have gained employment during their stay, and 87 days is the average length of stay for those who have been to the shelter.