Bruce worked for 15 years as a shift supervisor at Milestone. During that time, he was part of a housing program he believed would carry him through retirement. But when he retired, that stability suddenly changed. The program didn’t adjust to his new, limited income, and his rent quickly became 50% of his retirement income, alongside his car payment, insurance, and basic living expenses.
As the pressure built, Bruce started searching for help, reaching out to multiple places but finding no real answers. Everywhere he turned, he was told, “the way it is is the way it is.” He began to feel like he was slipping through the cracks, alone in a situation that was quickly becoming overwhelming.
“The saddest part was I felt all alone. I felt like I was a burden to society. I had to leave everything I knew.”
Eventually, Bruce came across Southern Maine Agency on Aging, but by that point, the choices in front of him had become stark.
“It got to the point where I knew I’d have to choose between affording my car payment or losing my housing, and that choice was coming up. I didn’t want to lose my freedom by giving up my car, but then I wouldn’t have been able to afford a place to live. If Southern Maine Agency on Aging hadn’t been able to help me, I would’ve chosen to live in my car so I could afford food, necessities, and at least have my independence. I would’ve just ended up existing instead of living.”
When Bruce connected with Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Care Coordination team, things began to shift. He met with a care coordinator, Cordelia, at the Portland Public Library, a location that was easy for him to access. For the first time, someone listened, understood what he needed, and helped him navigate his options.
“Southern Maine Agency on Aging took action and helped me through it step by step. I was able to move into 62+ housing in Westbrook where I’m around people my own age. Now my rent is 30% of my income instead of 50%. I’ve been here a few months, and there are a lot of services here, including a coffee hour where I can meet other people.”
With that support, Bruce found stability again. He now has a place he can afford, a community around him, and the ability to focus on the parts of life that matter most.
“Since Southern Maine Agency on Aging helped me, I’ve been able to continue to see my aging mother. Now that there’s less pressure about housing security and necessities, I can afford to travel to see her. Everything is a lot better for me. It has improved my peace of mind because being in the situation I was in was very depressing. You feel hopeless going through this experience, but Southern Maine Agency on Aging was the hope.”
Bruce also knows he is not the only one facing these choices. Across Maine, more older adults are being pushed into impossible decisions as housing costs rise and options remain limited.
“Many people I know are ending up homeless in Maine. These are people who have worked hard their whole life, and now many will choose between their car and a place to live because they don’t want to lose their freedom and independence. It’s a terrible choice between keeping your autonomy and being able to drive, or sitting alone in a living situation you can’t afford with no money. The best thing you can do is get help as soon as you can, because either choice is a bad one unless you can find support. Older adults are just sacrificing one thing for another, but Southern Maine Agency on Aging can help you navigate this.”
Bruce’s experience reflects a growing crisis for older adults in Maine. Calls to Southern Maine Agency on Aging for housing help have risen from 5% of inquiries in 2021 to 51% in 2024, and the number of adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness rose 37% in the past year.
“I feel fortunate I got such help through the Care Coordination team at Southern Maine Agency on Aging, especially Cordelia. It’s because of them that I have the housing and financial security I do now.”
