Senior Surprised to Find Herself Unhoused Four Years After Retirement

She dedicated her 30-year career to social work, working with unhoused people and women fleeing abuse, and later as an advocate for the Squamish Nation.

She also learned ballet in her 30s and enjoyed a short performing career.

But now, at 78 years old, her health has taken a turn for the worse, and she’s found herself unhoused.

Davis has spent most of the past three months in hospital. During that time, she lost her apartment and her family was given 48 hours’ notice to clear out her things.

Davis invited The Tyee to visit her in hospital, where she is continuing to receive care.

“I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t really look after myself anymore,” she told The Tyee.

“So unfortunately this is going to be my future,” she added, gesturing to her hospital surroundings.

Davis is supported by her small, close-knit family, who lives in the Lower Mainland.

However, her family cannot provide the level of care or housing accessibility that she needs, Nathan Davis, her grandson, told The Tyee.

For example, Nathan’s home doesn’t have a spare bedroom and his bathroom is upstairs.

Davis can walk only a short distance and relies on a wheelchair to get around.

Davis worked until she was 74 and was left with a pension that barely covers the cost of living, Nathan said.

It’s a “horrible feeling” to not be able to financially support his grandmother, he added.

Davis has been in and out of hospital eight times over the past three months. Most recently, after losing her apartment, she was discharged to a shelter in the Downtown Eastside.