Seniors Shouldn't Be in Shelters and Kids Shouldn't Live on Streets

It's a harsh reality that both seniors and children are increasingly experiencing homelessness in Metro Vancouver and across Canada. Seniors aren't supposed to live in shelters, and children certainly shouldn't have to live on the streets, yet the numbers show a growing crisis.

Seniors in Shelters: A Growing Concern

In the 2023 Greater Vancouver Homeless Count, 22% of the region's homeless population was aged 55 or older, more than double the 10% recorded in 2005. Similarly, the 2025 Point-in-Time Homeless Count reported 5,232 individuals experiencing homelessness, with a significant portion being seniors.

Nationally, data from 2021 indicated that 32% of people in Canadian shelters were aged 50 and older. These statistics highlight a concerning trend of an aging homeless population.

Housing Affordability Challenges

In Vancouver, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,786 in 2023. Even with the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, which had about 3,250 older adult recipients, many seniors still struggle with housing affordability. Over 14,000 senior-led households aged 55+ were paying more than 30% of their income on rent, with over one-third spending more than 50%.

Youth Homelessness

Youth under 25 are disproportionately affected by homelessness. In 2021, 19.2% of shelter users were aged 50–64, and 4.2% were aged 65+, indicating that while seniors make up a significant portion of shelter users, young people are also at risk, and no child should ever have to sleep on the street.

Shelters and Specialized Care

Organizations like Union Gospel Mission (UGM) are working to address these issues by providing shelter, meals, and recovery programs. However, the increasing number of seniors experiencing homelessness underscores the need for more specialized services and housing solutions tailored to their needs.

Moving Forward

Addressing homelessness among seniors and youth requires a multifaceted approach:

• Increasing affordable housing options tailored to seniors and youth.
• Expanding supportive housing programs that offer healthcare and social support.
• Enhancing prevention strategies to keep at-risk individuals housed.
• Advocating for policy changes that prioritize the housing needs of vulnerable populations.

If you're interested in supporting or learning more about these initiatives, organizations like UGM and local housing advocacy groups are actively working to make a difference.