The Invisible Living on Wheels in Los Angles, California

Marsha Baker is a 68-year-old homeless woman because of the housing crisis.

Marsha parks near the Senior Citizen Center

For Marsha Baker, her 2015 Toyota Camry became her home. After living in the same small apartment in East Los Angeles, the 68-year-old retired cafeteria worker finds herself homeless because she couldn’t pay her rent. Last year the rent jumped from $1200 to $1800 a month.

Her Toyota has been taken well care of and has low miles. She believes it is dependable and for now she sleeps in the back seat and eats her meals out. She usually spends most of the day inside the Senior Citizen Center where she meets up with others in her similar situation.

Marsha never thought she would end up like this

Marsha never thought she’d end up in a situation like this. She paid her rent on time for 23 years. She was a good tenant. But her Social Security check was only $1400 a month and well…just do the math.

Marsha’s story reflects a growing cris in Los Angeles, where rising rents have hit seniors on fixed incomes particularly hard. According to local housing advocacy groups, nearly 40% of unhoused seniors in Los Angeles became homeless for the first time after age 50, often due to economic hardship.

Each night, Marsh parks in different church lots that participate in the Safe Parking LA program, which provides secure overnight parking for people living in their vehicles. I wrote an article about safe parking lots for the homeless back in October 2024. It’s much safer to stay there and most are free and some provide bathroom facilities.

Marsha Baker 2024

Marsha worked hard all of her life, raised two children as a single mother and now feels invisible. Since losing her apartment of 23 years, she feels like she’s lost her independence, her privacy, her sense of security. Spending her days inside the Senior Center gives her a sense of normalcy.

The reality is that Maria’s situation isn’t unique. As Los Angeles deals with its housing crisis, more seniors are finding themselves priced out of their long-term homes. The shortage of affordable senior housing, combined with lengthy waitlists for subsidized units, has created a perfect storm that leaves many elderly residents vulnerable to housing insecurity.

For now, Maria takes life one day at a time, maintaining her dignity and hope while navigating a situation she never imagined for her golden years. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of our housing crisis and the urgent need for solutions that protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

I hope the Trump administration will take notice of Marsha’s situation and offer her affordable housing in a safe neighborhood.

I’m hoping that Marsha can make connections With the Senior Housing Office and they can help her find a home that’s affordable and within her budget.

Thanks for reading!

Kindly,

Carol