'Worst year I've seen': More Metro Vancouver seniors seeking work, non-profit reports

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Edward Boe never expected that at age 65 he would be homeless, and struggling.

Now close to 67, Boe is working about 20 hours a week to supplement his Canada Pension Plan and old age security benefits — an amount that averages about $1,500 a month. After rent, utilities and a small debt repayment, he has about $300 left over for food and self care.

“No one can live on that,” said Boe. Especially not in Metro Vancouver.

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Boe is among a growing number of seniors who have reached out to Mission Possible, a Downtown Eastside non-profit, for help in rejoining the workforce.

Mission Possible provides tech training, resume preparation and coaching, and opportunities for work experience through two social enterprises. One of them is MP Neighbours, which provides security for neighbourhoods and events. The other is MP Maintenance, which provides groundskeeping, landscaping, pressure washing and other building services.

“This is the worst year I’ve seen,” said Matt Smedley, Mission Possible’s executive director. Applications to their employment readiness program have doubled since last year, and the number of seniors applying for help is up 55½ per cent.

“We’ve had an increasing number of seniors and retired people coming to us for help because they just can’t make ends meet,” said Smedley.

Not only did the program have a 165 per cent increase in applications compared with 2023, the number of seniors in need have also exploded.

About three days a week, Boe dons a bright blue work vest and makes the rounds in the DTES, picking up needles and garbage, erecting and dismantling weather shelters, and talking to people about their options — like the opportunity he had through Mission Possible that has helped him put his life back together.

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Smedley is calling on the province to provide more support services and asking local businesses to consider hiring a senior or engaging one of Mission Possible’s two social enterprises.

A 2023 Deloitte report showed that 55 per cent of near-retiree households will have to make lifestyle compromises to avoid outliving their savings, and 31 per cent of retirees will be dependent entirely on public retirement income such as CPP.

Many seniors are facing homelessness. According to the 2023 Vancouver Homeless Count, 21 per cent are seniors, and nearly half of those, or 47 per cent, are facing homelessness for the first time. The top reason for housing loss cited was insufficient income.

Boe was previously employed as a security guard in the film industry, but the work dried up after COVID-19 and the SAG-AFTRA and writers union strikes in 2023.

“I couldn’t pay my rent and ended up losing my place,” said Boe.

Vulnerable, and without resources, he backslid into addiction.

“I knew I had a problem, so I sought help right away,” said Boe.

Boe entered a recovery program through the United Gospel Mission. The program provided 18 months of housing and other support, and helped him find his way to Mission Possible.

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“Our clients fill out an assessment, complete workshops and meet with a coach that helps them identify any barriers to employment they may be facing, and then they get referred to an interview in our social enterprises,” said Smedley.

Participants get a six-month contract with one of the social enterprises, and gain experience and references. Along the way they are given food security and health supports, and goal-setting and planning for when they graduate.

“At any given time, we’ve got about 90 people out working,” said Smedley.

Since May, 27 graduates have move into permanent employment in the workforce.

Boe is on his second six-month contract with MP Neighbours. The work adds about $1,200 to his monthly income.

He loves to help others: “It strengthens me, it gives me hope.”

dryan@postmedia.com

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