A little over a year ago, then 66-year-old Michele was facing the unimaginable: she might soon be homeless. Michele lived with her daughter, for whom she provided babysitting services. It was an arrangement that suited the family well as Michele’s daughter worked late and often on weekends. However, it was in violation of her daughter’s tenancy agreement and when the building’s owner became aware, Michele was told she had to leave. Rather than risk her daughter being evicted, Michele started looking for a new home.

“I had a lot of trouble finding a place to live that was reasonable; any places I could afford were taken up in minutes… there were lineups of people looking,” remembered Michele. “It was quite frightening; I was scared I would end up in a shelter.”

Luckily Michele stumbled upon SSSBC’s Temporary Housing Program.

“I phoned to find out more and they booked an appointment right away. I had no idea what to expect and was literally blown away that they would look for a home for me. By the end of that month, I had a place to move to.”

Our Temporary Housing Program was established in 2007 in response to the needs of seniors like Michele who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It’s the only program of its kind in BC and to date has found homes for 391 clients. Mariette Roberts is the program coordinator.

“The program is for seniors who can live independently and who meet our criteria,” she said. “We have 15 units in a BC Housing building in New Westminster. Clients can stay for three to six months, during which time we work with them to find permanent housing. We get to know our clients really well and place them in homes where they will flourish. In all the years the program has been running, we have never had a returning client—they all stay housed.”

Temporary Housing Program units come furnished and SSSBC provides each new client with a welcome package that includes bedding, a pillow and other essentials such as cleaning supplies. Clients may leave furniture in storage while staying in their temporary housing unit. Once they are ready to move to their permanent home, SSSBC can assist in moving their furniture. For clients who don’t have furnishings, SSSBC will work with partner organizations to provide gently used furniture for their new permanent home. Mariette stays in touch with clients for at least three months after they move into permanent housing to ensure a smooth transition; some remain in contact for much longer.

Homelessness among seniors is a much greater concern than most people realize. The reasons seniors may face homelessness are many and varied. Sometimes a partner passes away and the remaining senior faces financial difficulties. Sometimes tenants are evicted to make room for owners’ family members. Other times, a senior will find the strength to leave a long-term abusive relationship.

“The Temporary Housing Program is a way to preserve housing, to give a reset on life,” said Mariette. “It’s a way for people to reshape their journey at a pace they are comfortable with. My primary concern is for the quality of life our clients enjoy after they leave the program. We work hard to help them reconnect with family and establish a community. It’s important that people are placed in a home where they have financial stability and are close to resources and activities they enjoy. I see my purpose as not just to get people housed but to help enrich their lives.”

SSSBC is hoping the success of the program can be replicated in other cities. We are working with our SHINE BC partners throughout the province so that seniors in similar situations can stay in their communities.

Meantime, Michele now has a permanent home in Burnaby where she welcomes visits from her daughter and granddaughter with open arms.

“My home is everything to me. I have my own space with a beautiful view and a lovely kitchen. It’s easy walking distance to SkyTrain. The people at SSSBC are just so wonderful. That’s the only way I can describe them. They’re caring and sincere and were so genuine in trying to find me a home. I hope anyone who is in a similar situation finds out about the program and reaches out. I am astonished by the wonderful support SSSBC has given me.”