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As the population ages, the issue of senior homelessness is becoming increasingly pressing in British Columbia. With stories like that of 93-year-old Clifford Labree, who has been living in a shelter for over a year, it’s clear that the current system is failing our elderly population.
Labree’s situation is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend that has seen a staggering increase in the number of seniors seeking affordable housing.
The alarming statistics
In 2023, nearly 14,000 seniors applied for subsidized housing in British Columbia, marking a shocking 59% increase compared to five years ago.
Unfortunately, the response from the system has been disheartening. According to Dan Levitt, B.C.’s Seniors’ Advocate, only about six percent of applicants—less than 900 individuals—managed to secure a space. This leaves thousands of seniors like Labree without a stable home, forcing them into shelters that are ill-equipped to meet their needs.
The impact of inadequate housing
Living in a shelter can be particularly challenging for seniors, who often require more specialized care and support. Labree himself expressed his fears about being on the streets, stating, “Where am I going to go? There’s nothing.” The lack of affordable supportive housing options means that many seniors are left to navigate a system that does not prioritize their well-being.
Janet Brown, a spokesperson for the Surrey Urban Mission, emphasized the organization’s commitment to keeping seniors like Labree off the streets, but the reality is that shelters are not a long-term solution.
Urgent need for action
The situation calls for immediate action from policymakers and community leaders.
With the aging population expected to grow, the demand for affordable housing solutions will only increase. It is crucial for the government to invest in more subsidized housing options and to streamline the application process to ensure that seniors receive the support they need.
As Levitt pointed out, the current system is failing to meet the needs of our elderly population, and without significant changes, the crisis will only worsen.
For seniors like Clifford Labree, the shelter has become a reluctant home, a place where he hopes to remain until the end of his days. “When I die, they can carry me out,” he said. This sentiment underscores the urgent need for a system that provides not just shelter, but a sense of dignity and security for our aging population. It’s time for British Columbia to take a stand and address the growing crisis of senior homelessness.
