“I never, ever thought I’d have nowhere to live at this age.”
At 61, Carol found herself facing something she never imagined: homelessness.
After years of working in the hotel industry and supporting her daughter through struggles with addiction, a series of difficult circumstances—including a chronic shoulder injury, job loss, and an unsafe living situation—left Carol without a home.
Her greatest fear was ending up on the streets with her beloved cats. Instead, Carol found safety and support at Sandy Merriman House, where she had regular meals, a secure place to stay, and support to rebuild her life.
Today, she’s looking ahead to retraining for a career in community or social services and creating a fresh start for herself.
Unfortunately, Carol’s story is becoming increasingly common. From 2023 to 2024, the need for emergency shelter beds for women in Canada increased by 30%. Over the past 15 years, the proportion of shelter users aged 50 and older has doubled, with many experiencing homelessness for the very first time.
More older women are turning to shelters after a lifetime of working, raising families, and contributing to their communities. They deserve safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild.