SSSBC was invited to be the keynote speaker on day three of Housing Central BC’S Affordable Housing Conference, the largest annual affordable housing conference. We had an incredible opportunity to highlight our work around older adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Rather than provide a keynote address, SSSBC felt it would be impactful to feature seniors with lived experience to tell their stories. In preparation for the event, we asked Seniors Advocate Isobel McKenzie to interview our seniors.

The VP of CMHC opened the plenary focusing on seniors’ housing and support. Isobel Mackenzie provided data on the critical needs of seniors, followed by a panel conversation with the three individuals we identified with lived homelessness expertise. During their tearful presentation, they received a standing ovation from over 1000 attendees!

To top it off, two seniors celebrated their birthdays on the day of plenary and Isobel Mackenzie asked the crowd to sing for them—it was a birthday they did not forget!

Learn more about the conference here!