Homelessness has devastating effects on people’s health and spirits, whether they live in a tent, a vehicle, on the streets, or in a homeless shelter. The number of homeless elderly people rises daily, especially here in the Philippines. People ages 65 and older are the fastest-growing age group of people who are homeless (Culhane et al., 2019). Old people who are weak and hardly able to care are abandoned on the streets, at their homes, and in other places. 

The situation of poverty and homelessness is a huge social problem around the world. Poverty and unemployment are the main reasons why there are people who are homeless (Sujata Jena, 2020). Around 21.6% of the population lives below the national poverty line in the Philippines, according to the 2018 Asian Development Bank Report.

As someone who grew up living with her grandparents, it's sad to see old people living on the streets asking for help and for their food. Old people have to work for a living because their children don't support them, and some families find it a burden to care for them. The fact that some elderly people do not receive the care they need is a heartbreaking but unavoidable reality. Also, some of them are treated like animals, since they are no more than capable.

As you sign this petition, you're adding your voice to those people advocating change and action. By working together, we can increase public awareness about the older people who are homeless and need our government organizations for assistance so that we can take prompt action to guarantee that each elderly individual has a place to call home. Your signature can help make a difference in the lives of elderly people who are homeless by ensuring that they live in secure, comfortable, and supportive environments in which they can age with dignity and receive the care they need.