‘I sleep at Tim Hortons’: Richmond seniors facing homelessness share struggles to find housing, care

A growing number of seniors in Richmond are finding themselves without a place to call home.

Two seniors in Richmond, B.C., say they are struggling to find stable housing and supports, highlighting what outreach workers describe as a growing concern across the region.

At 87 years old, Lance Evans spends his days at the library and his nights trying to sleep in coffee shops.

“So I sleep at Tim Hortons,” Evans said. “It’s very difficult because my legs swell up — they’re about twice the size as they should be.”

Evans says he has been in and out of the hospital, and that doctors have told him his leg issues are linked to sleeping in a sitting position. He uses a ski pole as a cane to help with mobility.

He receives a pension, but says he cannot afford rent. He has also stayed at Richmond House Emergency Shelter on a temporary basis, but says he feels safer on the streets.

“Guys with canes and crutches with 20-year-old kids using drugs,” he said, describing the shelter experience.

“Four guys in a room, one guy in a wheelchair, three guys taking drugs and fighting.”

Evans is not alone.

Across town, 68-year-old Ruth Tiahlo is living in a tent.

“This is my home right now,” she said.

‘From shelter to shelter’

Tiahlo says she was forced out of her home years ago due to black mould. Since then, she has moved between hospitals, shelters and sleeping outside.

“It’s been too long, from shelter to shelter, at my age,” she said. “Mobility issues … being around such a young generation of drug addicts, I want to be with seniors where I belong.”

She says outreach workers and non-profits have helped with food and basic needs, but finding permanent housing has been an ongoing challenge.

“It’s very difficult living outside, not being able to take care of yourself … or have your own place. It’s not right,” she said.

Outreach workers say they are seeing more seniors in situations like these, many dealing with complex health issues, cognitive decline and the effects of aging.

‘I want to ... have my own home again’

Last month, CTV News told the story of 76-year-old Tom Tong, who was living on the streets of Richmond. Weeks after that story aired, Vancouver Coastal Health found him a space in long-term care.

Now, more seniors are coming forward, hoping for a similar outcome.

“I want to be taken care of and have my own home again,” Tiahlo said.

Advocates say stories like these are becoming more common across Metro Vancouver and the province.

Part 2 of this report will take a closer look at what’s driving the rise in senior homelessness, and what governments are doing to address it.