To say the past few years of Rob’s life have been tough is an understatement. A few years ago, when his wife was visiting family, he decided to go on a fast. During a visit with some friends, he drank a few beers. Unknown to Rob, he was hypoglycemic. The result? Rob’s blood sugar levels plummeted, and he showed signs of severe distress. He died twice in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. While he was in a coma, his brother was told that Rob might be brain dead.

During this extended stay at the hospital, Rob’s wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She was hospitalized in a different treatment facility.

When he was finally released, Rob required a wheelchair. Unfortunately, he immediately had an accident using it that caused a serious blow to the head. He was right back in hospital to reduce the swelling to his brain.

During these two to three years of hospital stays, the house that Rob and his wife rented in Aldergrove was sold. All their belongings were thrown away when the new owners took possession. When Rob finally left the hospital for good, he slept in his car (which he was unable to drive) or stayed with his brother. Occasionally he would stay overnight with his wife, who was in palliative care. He was by her side to provide comfort and assistance to reduce the need for nursing care at night. When she was moved to a hospice, he could no longer stay with her. He reached out to a friend and started staying with him but soon realized this could only be a temporary arrangement. He had no money, no possessions, and all his savings had been used. He had nothing to fall back on.

“My life had gone down the tubes; everything collapsed,” said Rob.

A Google search led Rob to Seniors Services Society of BC. He was quickly connected with our Temporary Housing Program and its Program Coordinator Mariette Roberts.

“She assured me that SSSBC would work hard to find me a place to live.”

Rob stayed in accommodation provided through the Temporary Housing Program for several months. He uses a mobility scooter and needs easy access to his medical team for ongoing health concerns. Mariette advocated for Rob’s need for permanent housing in Surrey and BC Housing accepted his application for a unit in Len Shepherd Manor in Guildford. He moved in this past summer.

“This place is great; it’s just right for me,” said Rob. “The price is right; there’s shopping close by; and it’s two buses away from my doctors. It’s been a huge load off my mind.”

Rob also has high praise for SSSBC and Mariette, who he calls his go-to person.

“There’s a really good team there,” he concluded. “They’re very caring and the service they provide is excellent.”