Rise in Seniors Experiencing Homelessness
One of the most upsetting trends that Canada is seeing is the rising number of seniors who are unhoused. At Evangel Hall Mission (EHM), we are seeing more seniors become regulars at our drop-in centre, seeking food, showers, clean clothes and incontinence supplies. In our residences, the tenants who have lived there for many years are aging, while the average age of new tenants is going up.
Why is this happening?
The first reason is simply statistics, as Baby Boomers make up a very large portion of society. But more concerning is the fact that seniors are becoming newly homeless at rapid rates. Seniors are losing their housing to renovictions or are facing unaffordable rent hikes while on fixed incomes. Many seniors find themselves unable to make ends meet once their partner passes away. And for those who were unable to save for retirement, they simply can’t afford housing once they can no longer work.
Agencies like EHM aren’t just working to create affordable housing for seniors but also to make sure that seniors can access social and spiritual supports where they live. Like churches that have housing, we have the opportunity to create community, foster social connections, and make sure that everyone can build friendships. Because home is more than four walls, and life is more than the number of years one lives. This National Housing Day, EHM is looking at how the housing crisis impacts seniors, and how we can ensure that everyone can live and age with dignity.
Because of EHM housing, Doris has a beautiful home where she cooks, plays guitar, tends to the EHM garden and volunteers.