The first ever SHINE BC in-person conference this past May was an exciting opportunity for everyone to meet and connect. Meeting in person was a long-awaited goal of the partners that had been delayed when virtual get togethers became the norm during the pandemic.

It was a great gathering of Elders, Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, SHINE partner agencies’ leadership teams, navigators, and support staff, along with the program’s affiliate partners. Invitations were also extended to seniors with lived experience of homelessness, staff such as city planners from municipal governments, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction representatives, Service Canada, and housing providers. It was an intimate group of 53 attendees who shared their interest and passion in learning how to support older adults in BC.

Colin Cox moderated a powerful discussion on creating a system that supports seniors’ housing needs. Panelists David Hutniak from LandlordBC, Eden Bishop with Fraser Health, Marika Albert representing the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Rex Calderon from Coast Mental Health, Sherri Crane of Brightside Community Homes Foundation, and SSSBC’s own Alison Silgardo participated in a lively discussion.

The conference also included a unique professional development opportunity. Delegates greatly appreciated the Mindset for Excellence workshop presented by Sasja Chomos of Dynamic Achievement.

The Seniors Housing Information and Navigation Ease (SHINE) program acts as an advocate for BC’s older adults. The program was created in 2019 to support seniors and their caregivers in accessing supports and services across the region. This includes affordable housing, income support, and mental wellness.