The Senior Housing Crisis episode from South Florida’s PBS station delves into the region’s housing affordability crisis and its impact on seniors. I had the chance to share my journey creating Sunset Colonies, highlighting how this issue is explored in both the monograph and the exhibition at the Frost Art Museum.
During the early stages of documentation, I noticed that many of the communities facing eviction were home to seniors living modestly on Social Security or disability checks. South Florida’s soaring cost of living made it increasingly difficult for them to remain in the area. Many of these seniors had lived in their mobile homes for decades, creating tight-knit communities that provided both financial and emotional support systems.
The interviews I conducted revealed heartbreaking stories of elderly residents facing displacement with few affordable alternatives. Some were forced to move far from their healthcare providers, while others had to leave the state entirely to find housing within their limited budgets. This exodus not only disrupted individual lives but also dissolved communities that had functioned as extended families for many residents.
Through my photography and research, I aimed to document these disappearing communities before they vanished completely, preserving their stories and highlighting the human impact of South Florida’s rapid development and gentrification.