ARCH Collaborative
Aging Adults, Relational Resilience, Cash + Housing
A National Innovation Network Advancing Basic Income, Social Connection, and Housing Stabilization for Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness
For five years, Miracle Messages has pioneered innovative solutions in cash-plus models of basic income for people experiencing homelessness. Our proven approach combines direct financial support with comprehensive relational services, creating pathways out of homelessness that honor dignity and foster lasting change. Through evidence-based programs and community partnerships, we've transformed lives and set new standards for compassionate, effective homeless response systems.
The Issue
Older adults are among the fastest-growing populations experiencing homelessness in the United States. Rising housing costs, fixed incomes, health challenges, and prolonged economic instability have contributed to increasing numbers of adults aging into homelessness or remaining unhoused later in life.
Many older adults experiencing homelessness face complex and interconnected challenges that extend beyond housing alone, including chronic health conditions, limited income, reduced social support networks, and barriers to accessing services. These needs often span multiple systems, requiring coordinated responses that traditional service models may not be equipped to provide independently.
At the same time, homelessness service providers are being asked to address increasingly complex needs within resource-constrained environments. As the population of older adults experiencing homelessness continues to grow, there is an urgent need for approaches that strengthen both individual outcomes and system-wide capacity.
The Opportunity
ARCH is designed to explore the intersection of these approaches. The collaborative will bring together organizations that already serve as trusted points of contact for older adults experiencing homelessness and support them in implementing a cash-plus model that combines flexible financial assistance with existing services and relational support.
Through shared learning, evaluation, and cross-site collaboration, participating organizations will contribute to a growing evidence base on what helps older adults achieve greater housing stability, financial security, wellbeing, and social connectedness. The collaborative represents an opportunity to strengthen practice, inform policy, and advance a more integrated response to homelessness among older adults.
$30,000
for participating agencies
Monthly Cash Distributions
unrestricted cash distributed monthly for 18 months to 20 clients in your agency
Learning Sessions
quarterly sessions with subject matter experts
Impact Insights
data-driven insights to measure and share your impact
Call for Partners
ARCH is seeking nonprofit organizations that operate shelter programs and housing navigation to adults age 50 and older who are experiencing homelessness.
Participating organizations should demonstrate a commitment to person-centered, dignity-focused services and provide multiple forms of support, such as housing navigation, case management, behavioral health services, financial coaching, peer support, or related stabilization services.
Selected partners will join a national learning collaborative and receive funding to support implementation, staff participation, evaluation activities, and cross-site learning. Participating organizations will play a central role in refining and testing a cash-plus model designed specifically for older adults experiencing homelessness.
Applications will open in December 2026 to nonprofit organizations.
Join the Movement
Support our work restoring dignity and creating pathways to stability for older adults experiencing homelessness. Your contribution helps fund direct cash assistance, relational support, and transformative change across communities nationwide.