We are moved by the outpouring of support from Cove residents following the tragic Lions Manor fire.
This emergency has also underscored the North Shore’s affordable housing crisis, as some of these seniors may be forced to leave the community they have called home for many years.
“I think it’s heartbreaking,” says Cove resident and business owner Megan Curren, who has been assisting the seniors. “I find it quite upsetting that we don’t have enough beds available to help some of our citizens. So I think that’s been an eye-opener for a lot of us.”
The fear is that these seniors will be shipped out of their community and away from their support systems, according to Erin Smith, manager of seniors’ services at Parkgate Community Centre.
There are a plethora of single-family homes in our community with multiple bedrooms. Can we not get creative with living arrangements to help these seniors get back on their feet?
Many residents here have taken in home-stay students, why not a senior? In return seniors can provide some rent money, plus companionship or even pet sitting, as one displaced resident is offering.
Of course there are other ways to help the seniors, monetary and otherwise. Parkgate Community Services Society (myparkgate.com) is still accepting financial donations to support the fire victims.
Then there’s this awesome idea Curren came up with – a buddy system that matches seniors with residents who can offer support.
What a brilliant idea, we say. It can only bring the Cove closer together. ■
