Community Program Helps Seniors Experiencing Homelessness

Barbara Sweeney was 48 hours away from being homeless. The retired nurse had called her rented Oshawa bungalow home for 22 years, but when her landlord wanted to move into the unit, the 64-year-old had few options other than searching for a new home.

“Learning how to find a place to live after that period of time is really a challenge,” explained Barbara. “Having to do it by myself was very overwhelming.”

As the clock ticked down on Barbara’s eviction, she remembered hearing about the Seniors Motel Program with Cornerstone Durham. Based on a collaboration with the Region of Durham, Cornerstone Durham, and Lakeridge Health, this unique program helps seniors who are experiencing, or about to experience, homelessness find temporary accommodations while they search for more permanent housing.

Faced with her eviction, Barbara called the Seniors Motel program.

“The intake questionnaire was very detailed,” Barbara recalled. “They asked about my financial situation and why I was going to be homeless.”

Within an hour, Barbara went from facing homelessness alone, to having a support network.

“I was in disbelief,” exclaimed Barbara. “I felt like I could breathe again for the first time in more than a year.”

As part of the new Seniors Motel program, Barbara was given a room at the Motel 6 in Whitby and provided a list of prospective properties within her budget. She also received assistance with transportation to and from properties, as well as mental health supports that Barbara found very helpful at such a stressful time.

As Mental Health and Addictions Program Manager Nicole Tracy explains, the goal is to collaborate across community partners to wrap services around those in need.

“We connected with the Region of Durham with the objective of bringing different community partners together to provide individualized shelter, health, social, and housing supports for seniors that have medical needs and are experiencing homelessness in Durham Region,” said Nicole. “The collaboration and the communication between the community partners has really been fantastic in supporting clients with every single aspect of what they need.”

For Barbara, the wrap-around services made her feel supported during a lonely time.

“They were great,” said Barbara of the supports she accessed. “They were helping me to calm down a bit and see that I wasn't alone and that I would get through this.”

As Barbara prepares for the holidays with a place to call her own, she’s thankful for the collaboration and services.

“I just really appreciate everything they did. It is an amazing program that I recommend.”