Emerging Crisis: Older Canadians Facing Homelessness
A troubling trend is emerging across Canada as shelters report a noticeable increase in older individuals seeking assistance. Non-profit organizations, particularly those operating emergency shelters, are witnessing a growing number of people aged 55 and older who are experiencing homelessness. This shift is prompting significant changes in how these organizations operate to meet the unique needs of this demographic.
At the forefront of this issue is The Mustard Seed, a Christian non-profit that runs a dozen 24-hour emergency shelters across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, providing a total of 747 beds. Samantha Lowe, senior director of shelter operations at The Mustard Seed, noted a 'consistent' rise in individuals aged 55 and older seeking shelter between 2023 and 2024. This increase, though seemingly small at 2 percent over two years, reflects a deeper systemic challenge for aging Canadians.
Adapting Shelters to Meet New Needs
The influx of older clients has forced organizations like The Mustard Seed to rethink their approach to shelter services. Lowe explained that the needs of seniors differ significantly from younger populations, often requiring more medical support, accessibility accommodations, and tailored social services. For instance, at their Calgary women’s shelter, the percentage of clients aged 51 and older rose from 25.4 percent in 2024 to 28.4 percent this year, highlighting the growing demand.
In Red Deer, the proportion of clients aged 55 and older at The Mustard Seed shelter jumped from 12 percent in 2023 to a higher figure in recent data, further underscoring the trend. James Gardiner, chief executive at The Mustard Seed, also pointed out that their main shelter in Calgary has been nearly full since the summer of 2023, adding pressure to adapt quickly to these demographic shifts. Shelters are now prioritizing spaces and programs that can address age-specific challenges, such as chronic health conditions and mobility issues.
This adaptation is not just about physical space but also about creating a compassionate environment. Lowe emphasized that older individuals often carry unique emotional burdens, having worked much of their lives only to find themselves without a home. Non-profits are training staff to handle these sensitivities while seeking partnerships to provide long-term housing solutions.
Broader Implications for Canadian Society
The rising number of older homeless individuals signals broader societal issues, including affordable housing shortages and inadequate support for aging populations. While exact national figures vary, estimates suggest that between 150,000 and 300,000 Canadians experience homelessness annually, with seniors becoming an increasingly visible part of this population. The federal government has taken steps, such as renaming the National Housing Co-Investment Fund to the Affordable Housing Fund with an additional $1 billion over three years starting in 2025-26, but advocates argue more immediate action is needed.
The Mustard Seed and similar organizations are calling for increased collaboration between government, private sectors, and non-profits to address this crisis. As shelters adjust to accommodate older clients, the strain on resources is evident. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for policies that prevent homelessness among vulnerable groups, particularly those in their later years who face limited options for recovery.