client Leo

Imagine leaving everything you’ve worked hard for all your life to live in a friend’s car. That’s what happened to Leo* in August 2024. Leo was 62 at the time; he lost all his assets after separating from his common-law partner. Six months later Leo asked SSSBC for help when his friend let him know that he needed his car.

“It was hard to live in the car in the winter especially,” said Leo.

Leo was quickly connected with Mariette Roberts in SSSBC’s Temporary Housing Program and within a few days a unit was secured for him.

“I stayed there for four or five months,” recalled Leo. “I was so happy to have a place to live. I didn’t go out for a whole week; I just stayed home and cleaned and made food. Mariette is like an angel to me. She gave me gift cards so I could go shopping.”

“I’ll never forget the day Leo moved in,” said Mariette. “He was very happy to finally have his own personal space.”

SSSBC’s Temporary Housing Program provides furnished apartments along with tailored outreach services for homeless or at-risk seniors. During their stay, clients are helped in their search for permanent housing and connected with other supports for which they are eligible.

A few months ago, Leo moved into his new permanent home: a studio at L.J. Christmas Apartments in Coquitlam. The building is operated by a not-for-profit society that provides housing for seniors. Centrally located near Lougheed Mall, the building is readily accessible to public transportation, grocery stores, banks, restaurants, medical clinics, seniors recreation facilities and many other amenities. The property manager went above and beyond to provide Leo with extra furnishings for his unit.

“This is a good neighbourhood and everyone is friendly,” said Leo. “I don’t know how to say how much I appreciate SSSBC as well as the apartment manager for helping me.”

 

* Name withheld to protect the client’s privacy.