The 2023 Greater Vancouver Homeless Count revealed more than one in five of the region’s homeless, (22 per cent) are aged 55 or older. That’s more than double the 10 per cent who were homeless in 2005.

“They don’t tend to be the ones out asking for help, they kind of come from a generation of pull up your boot straps, and so often they are living in cars, they are couch surfing or living really precariously housed, for example in (single room occupancy hotels),” she explained.

Organizations like Whole Way House are doing what they can to try and get ahead of the problem.

Konkin said the organization is a part of a pilot project with BC Housing and four other buildings that’s working to find more supportive and suitable long-term housing for seniors at risk of homelessness. “We want to get on the prevention side,” she said. “We’re already in crisis mode that nobody is really talking about.”

Full Video and Article Link HERE

“One question in particular asked residents if there was anyone in their network who would come to find them within 48-hours if something dangerous or serious happened to them in their home. Many of the residents shook their head indicating no or answered the question by stating that no one would come looking for them in 48 hours and it would most likely be much longer before their situation was discovered. Replies like this were incredibly difficult to hear but also motivated us to keep going as we realized how important this work was. We realized we were actively contributing to raising awareness about social isolation and the need for social support and engagement in these types of housing. In turn, we became extremely hopeful and proud at the thought that our research may play a vital role in making experiences better for these residents.”

Full article here.

“I think Whole Way House came as a lifeline to many, many residents,” said Jen Evans, the agency’s team lead and tenant support worker at Granville House. “We replace the family that some of them don’t have.”

There are thousands of low-income seniors living independently in non-profit housing units in B.C., but most do not come with support. Some lose their homes as they age because they don’t have anyone to help them organize financial affairs, keep their places clean, or stay healthy, said Jenny Konkin, Whole Way House president.

“When they moved in, they were able to live independently, but as they’re aging they might be losing some of those abilities. But there’s no system in place to support them, and so we saw seniors were falling through the cracks,” she said.

Full article here.

“A lot of the seniors we work with have complex health issues. On top of that, physical mobility issues, so physically not able to get to the polling station.”

Voting by phone is available for people self-isolating, or who have underlying health issues, are disabled or are visually impaired. Full article here.

Seniors are the fastest-growing homeless demographic, according to the city of Vancouver’s Homelessness & Supportive Housing Strategy, released on Oct. 7. For the past two years, they have represented about one-quarter of the homeless population

Full article here.

Konkin is working with four other housing providers to expand her support services into their buildings. But she needs government funding, which she argues would be cheaper than these seniors ending up in hospitals or in care homes — and more humane than seeing them in shelters.

Full article here.

“Most low-income seniors don’t have access to online services, and some who live independently may not have advocates, or anyone looking out for them. That means they don’t necessarily know what their options are for voting” Full article here.

L’organisme Whole Way House livre des repas pour des aînés à faible revenu. En temps de pandémie, cela permet aussi aux personnes âgées de sortir moins souvent de chez elles. Full article here.

Konkin is working with four other housing providers to expand her support services into their buildings. But she needs government funding, which she argues would be cheaper than these seniors ending up in hospitals or in care homes — and more humane than seeing them in shelters.

Full article here.

We knew this Remembrance Day would look different, but we wanted our veterans at the Veterans Manor know that we have not forgotten. We were able to provide a private, outdoor, socially distanced bagpipe performance by Derek Davidson from New Chelsea Society and present each veteran with a framed copy of “In Flanders Fields”. Thank you Breakfast Television Vancouver for sharing this story.

Video by Hundredfold Productions

Since the start of the COVID 19 Pandemic, Whole Way House Society has reached over 600 low-income seniors and vulnerable residents in the DTES and around Vancouver with a door to door meal delivery service. By providing over 80,000 meals and weekly check in’s, the Meal Delivery Program has allowed these seniors to safely self-isolate without feeling alone. We are thankful for the support of our partners and generous supporters.

Video by Hundredfold Productions

World renowned violinist Rosemary Siemens performs O Canada for vulnerable veterans and seniors at the Veterans Manor in the DTES on Canada Day.

Video by Hundredfold Productions

Because of generous partners like the Eden Cafe, we are able to serve vulnerable seniors and veterans across Vancouver.

Video by Coastal Church

For senior citizens, being part of whats referred to as the most vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic has left many of them feeling panicked about the new normal. To help keep them safe, healthy, and loved while self-isolating, Whole Way House has been delivering free meals to those in need around the Downtown Eastside and beyond.

The team has been working tirelessly on the front lines to ensure that all of their seniors continue to maintain physical distancing while still being fed nutritious meals twice a day. They have since expanded their meal services to other low-income residences in Vancouver, as well as vulnerable people living on their own.

Full article here.

There is a serious epidemic growing in Vancouver for the seniors population—homelessness.

Seniors make up 23% of the homeless population, up from 9% in 2008.  DTES charity Whole Way House provides vital support services to seniors living – and is working on the frontline of the crisis of homeless seniors.

Guest: Jenny Konkin- Whole Way House Co–Founder

Source: Listen here CKNW 980

Jenny and Jody chat all things Family Picnic, the new Amazing Race and the incredible support from the community, especially our friends at Earls. This annual fundraiser helps support vulnerable seniors and veterans in the Downtown Eastside.

Source: Listen here CKNW 980

What happens when you end severe isolation and loneliness by inviting people into community in the middle of the chaos of Canada’s poorest postal code? In this episode, we visit with Jenny Konkin who is the Co-Founder of a Downtown Eastside Vancouver organization called Whole Way House that works with vulnerable seniors and veterans. She also started “The I Get To Legacy Project” that helps fund Whole Way House and reminds us to ask “What do I GET TO do today?”

Source: Vancouver Get Inspired Talks

Click here to watch the Global News coverage

We had the absolute honour of presenting Mr. Michael Springford’s family with his service medals, which he earned over 70 years ago for his service in the Royal Canadian Navy. Michael volunteered from 1940-1945 and served overseas in the North Atlantic. His daughter, granddaughter and great grandson proudly received the awards on his behalf and we are so thankful for his and their great sacrifice. It has been such a pleasure to have the opportunity to get to know and support Michael.

Source: Global News

Breakfast Television host Riaz Mehgi sits down with Whole Way House Co-Founder Jenny Konkin and Kris to discuss the “I Get To” program and how it empowers members of the Downtown Eastside community to work creatively with their hands, while building confidence, skills, value and purpose in their lives.

Source: Breakfast Television

The Daily Hive provides an in-depth feature of recent events and projects at Whole Way Hous, including Family Dinner, Monthly Hair Cuts, the “I Get To” Legacy Chain, UGM Alumni Super Smoothies, Emergency Medical Training, Family Birthday Parties, Art Sessions with Gerrard and the upcoming annual Family Picnic in the Park.

Source: Daily Hive Vancouver

The Daily Hive provides an in-depth feature of recent events and projects at Whole Way Hous, including Family Dinner, Monthly Hair Cuts, the “I Get To” Legacy Chain, UGM Alumni Super Smoothies, Emergency Medical Training, Family Birthday Parties, Art Sessions with Gerrard and the upcoming annual Family Picnic in the Park.

Source: Daily Hive Vancouver

The latest episode of the Business by the Book Audio Podcast, featuring co-founder Jenny Konkin, is now available! As the Business By The Book’s latest featured speaker, Jenny’s talk on “How Love Works” in the Downtown Eastside took place on Wednesday, February 3rd at the BC Supreme Court, and is now available as a downloadable MP3 audio file.

Source: Business by the Book

Jenny Konkin answers Fuel Radio’s three big questions about Making a Living, Making A Difference, and Making a Life.

Source: Fuel Radio

The Vancouver Metro covers a story about Gary, who overcame his addiction to drugs out of fear of health concerns for his beloved canine companion, Kolby.

Source: Vancouver Metro, see also: Huffington Post