Community discussion will bring together local experts to explore the growing issue of older adult homelessness in Western New York following the free public screening on July 22.
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BUFFALO — The Homeless Alliance of Western New York has announced the panelists who will participate in a community discussion following the free public screening of No Place to Grow Old on Tuesday, July 22, at the Downtown Central Library.
The event, presented in partnership with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, will begin at 6 p.m. ET in the Mason O. Damon Auditorium at the Downtown Central Library. The documentary will be followed by a community discussion featuring local leaders who work directly with older adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability across Western New York.
READ MORE – Homeless Alliance of WNY, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library to Host Free Community Screening and Discussion on Older Adult Homelessness
Older adult homelessness is one of the fastest-growing forms of homelessness both nationally and here in Western New York. Following the screening, the panel discussion will provide local context to these national and local trends while highlighting the work being done across the region to prevent and end homelessness among older adults.
The post-film discussion will features panelists from:
- Center for Elder Law & Justice (Kathy Kanaley, Supervising Social Worker)
- Erie County Department for the Aging (Adam Kowalyk, Aging & Disability Resource Representative)
- The Homeless Alliance of WNY (Holly Rutkowski, Systems Access Lead)
Together, the panel represents expertise in aging services, legal advocacy, coordinated entry and outreach efforts, offering attendees a comprehensive look at the challenges and solutions facing older adults in Western New York.
The discussion will be led by the Homeless Alliance’s Haley Diagostino, who is the Aging Systems Coordinator for the organization and the person behind this important night.
“We really hope that this event gives people a better understanding of what older adults in our community are actually experiencing,” Diagostino said. “By bringing together the people and organizations who are doing the work to support older adults everyday, we want to create a space for learning, conversation, and collaboration that helps lead to real, long-term solutions.”
Panelists will discuss the growing number of older adults experiencing homelessness in WNY, the factors contributing to the alarming trend, barriers to obtaining stable housing, available community resources, and opportunities for residents and partner organizations to become a part of the solution.
No Place to Grow Old examines the rapidly growing crisis of homelessness among older adults in America through the personal stories of older individuals experiencing homelessness firsthand. The film also highlights innovative approaches communities are using to address the crisis.
The event is free and open to the public and is presented in partnership with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Community members, service providers, advocates, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning more about older adult homelessness are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
What: No Place to Grow Old Community Screening & Panel Discussion
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:55 PM ET
Where: Mason O. Damon Auditorium | Downtown Central Library | 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register for FREE here.
For any questions or help registering for the event, please contact Haley Diagostino at [email protected]. For full information, please visit the event’s homepage here.