Siloam changing lives of homeless seniors by giving new life to century-old Charleswood building Former Odd Fellows Home provides seniors with suites, meals By: Kevin Rollason Posted: 6:00 PM CDT Thursday, May. 9, 2024

Almost three dozen homeless seniors now have a roof over their heads thanks to a new program operated by Siloam Mission.

Known for now as The Roblin, the facility, at the former Odd Fellows Home at 4025 Roblin Blvd., will give seniors who had been staying overnight in the downtown Siloam Mission shelter — when there was a bed open — their own suites, with meals provided.

The first seniors have been moving into the facility in recent days.

“It was a very emotional experience — but a good one — to tell them they were coming here,” said Christine Vanagas, Siloam’s community wellness director.

“You could almost feel the change when they walked in, and the relief, that this is their home. It is something safe and affordable for them. You could see a weight lift off them when they got their key; ‘here is your home, here is your mailbox.’

“They say, ‘My whole life is not preoccupied anymore with where am I going to live.’”

As per a city heritage report, the three-storey building, located along the Assiniboine River near the William R. Clement Parkway — the bridge that connects St. James and Charleswood — was opened by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1923, as a residence for elderly members and their spouses, as well as for orphaned children of deceased members.

“These people are so grateful to be housed and to finally have a roof over their head which is affordable. Here they feel safe and they feel welcome.”–Monica Richard

It continued as a seniors facility until last year, when a developer bought the building with plans to convert it to rental housing. A facility manager at the time blamed the sale on a provincial municipal board decision that cancelled a proposed apartment complex on the property. The revenue from the proposed complex would have provided the funding to keep the facility operating as a seniors residence.

Last month, a city community committee approved a plan to build 119 residential units in a townhouse development located adjacent to the seniors facility.

But during the period of time between the two decisions, Siloam was offered the opportunity to purchase the building.

The units are a mix of bachelor and one-bedroom suites. Meals are provided in a communal dining area. Rent is covered via a combination of provincial subsidization and tenants’ old age pension and income assistance payments.

Each of the furnished units is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave but no oven/stove.

Tenants are offered a choice of linen colours, thanks to support from IKEA.

Bernadette Smith, Manitoba’s housing minister, said she’s happy the province could contribute more than $800,000 to the project.

“This was a gap and they recognized it,” Smith said of Siloam.

“We were excited to be a part of it… I’ve seen seniors in tents and in encampments (and) that should never be the case.”

Siloam CEO Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud said her organization’s original plan was to provide housing for homeless women at the site, but discovered the property had zoning restrictions that only allowed seniors.

“I don’t think we have scratched the surface of meeting the needs of our aging population. This is a gift for these people, but it is nowhere near the need out there.”–Christine Vanagas, Siloam’s community wellness director

“We had to pivot to go with seniors,” she said. “Even if that restriction comes off, we are not going to move the seniors out.

“We don’t want to disrupt them again.”

Blaikie Whitecloud said homelessness is difficult at any age, but is especially tough on seniors.

“We have people receiving home care who come to our shelter,” she said.

“We have people battling health issues (and) having a place like this is crucial for people to age with dignity.”

In addition to changing homeless seniors’ lives, the facility is giving a leg up to the building’s caretaker, who is acquiring new skills through Siloam’s supportive employment program.

Property-management companies are having a tough time finding people to hire, she said.

“We’re excited someone will get future employment in another area through this,” she said.

Monica Richard, a housing support worker based at the facility, is familiar with the path the residents have taken. She spent a few years without a place to call home before she got help from Siloam.

“I have some book knowledge, but it is my lived experience which helps me understand and help them with an open mind,” Richard said.

“I’m helping them relearn a better way of living. These people are so grateful to be housed and to finally have a roof over their head which is affordable. Here they feel safe and they feel welcome.”

Vanagas said one of her priorities is to instil a sense of community among residents.

“These are people who are now neighbours out of the blue,” she said.

“How do we create a social network in the building? Because this idea of community helps build the tools for eviction resistance. What has happened so far is really beautiful. They do look after each other and they play games together and watch TV together.”

Vanagas said the blossoming community is beginning to spread outside the facility.

“A neighbour had a flat tire, so they went out to help,” she said.

“I don’t think we have scratched the surface of meeting the needs of our aging population. This is a gift for these people, but it is nowhere near the need out there.”

Siloam has invited area residents to an art show and open house Friday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., to show off its new facility.

Blaikie Whitecloud said the reception thus far from people in the community has been positive.

“We have really been blessed with the welcome we’ve had in the community,” she said.

“Supportive housing, like this one, is brand-new. We are learning as we go.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca