FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– May 28, 2025 –
Spike in Seniors Turning to Shelter: UGM
1 in 3 of shelter users is 55 and older
(Vancouver, B.C) – Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is seeing a significant increase in the number of seniors seeking shelter services. Seniors with more cognitive issues as well as those forced from their living situations due to rising costs are increasingly turning to UGM.
Mohinder Khunkhun, 68, has been experiencing chronic homelessness for nearly a decade; ever since the heat failed in his apartment and he was eventually evicted after falling behind on rent.
“I worked all my life—on farms, the railway, in oil and construction,” says Khunkhun. “It was hard work. And it still wasn’t enough.”
After retiring due to health issues, Khunkhun found it nearly impossible to access the support systems meant to help seniors. Navigating social assistance and old age security proved confusing and overwhelming, leaving him without stable housing.
“Seniors deserve help,” he says. “People don’t understand how tough it is—not just here, but everywhere.”
More than 1,000 people sleep in UGM’s shelter every year, and one-third of them are over the age of 55.
“Seniors are being priced out, pushed out and left behind. We need systemic change,” says UGM’s Nick Wells.
In one case, one 80-year-old resident – who used to sleep in the shelter – was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, requiring more care and support from our case managers.
UGM has worked to better help the seniors its shelter serves by making sure they can: sleep in areas which has space for mobility scooters, get a bed closer to the washroom as well as wait in our reception area before the shelter is opened.
Wells says UGM wants to see more wraparound care and supportive housing options for seniors. Everyone, regardless of age, deserves a safe space to call a home.
“Some seniors are enjoying their retirement by travelling and relaxing. The seniors we see are trying to find a safe place to sleep,” Wells says.
MEDIA EVENT DETAILS
Date: May 28
Time: 8 p.m. (Nick Wells available for interviews throughout day)
Where: 601 E Hastings, Union Gospel Mission
RSVP: Please send details to nwells@ugm.ca
Interview Opportunities:
- Mohinder Khunkhun, a senior with lived experience of shelter use
- UGM spokesperson Nick Wells
CONTACT
Nick Wells
Media Relations Specialist
Cell: (604) 996-1417
nwells@ugm.ca
ABOUT UNION GOSPEL MISSION
Union Gospel Mission has been feeding hope and changing the lives of men, women, youth, and children for more than 80 years. Through its eight locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides emergency shelter, meals, outreach, career development counselling, education, safe and affordable housing, addiction recovery, and much more to those struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction. The heart of UGM is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of those who are vulnerable, and come alongside people who feel cast aside. To learn more, visit www.ugm.ca.
