A senior couple in Calgary, Dave and Sherry Hilderman, are facing possible eviction from their subsidized apartment after refusing to give up their emotional support animal, Baby Girl. The couple has lived in their two-bedroom apartment for over 10 years, and they got the cat on the advice of a doctor to help Sherry cope with severe depression during the pandemic. The eviction letter cited breaches in the lease, including violation of the building’s pet policy and unauthorized alterations. Silvera for Seniors, the organization that manages the building, offered the couple other options in their pet-friendly buildings, but the costs are almost double or triple what the couple is currently paying.
Dave and Sherry are living paycheck to paycheck and do not have the financial capacity to handle an increase in their monthly rent. They are unsure of how they will manage if they are forced to move to a more expensive apartment. Sherry expressed feeling frozen and scared about their situation. Shelters in Calgary are facing challenges with occupancy, with an increasing number of seniors seeking housing assistance. The Mustard Seed, a non-profit organization, is exploring new models of care to support seniors with chronic conditions who should be safely housed in long-term sustainable housing.
The Hildermans are struggling to cope with the uncertainty of their housing situation and the potential eviction looming over their heads. They are concerned about the impact of any increase in rent on their already strained finances. Sherry’s emotional support animal has been a crucial source of comfort during her battle with depression, and they are unwilling to part with her. The couple is left wondering how they will manage to find affordable housing in a market where options for seniors are limited.
The eviction of the Hildermans highlights the challenges faced by seniors in finding and maintaining affordable housing in Calgary. The couple’s situation raises questions about the availability of support and resources for seniors facing housing insecurity. The Mustard Seed’s initiative to explore new models of care for seniors with chronic conditions underscores the need for innovative solutions to address the growing issue of senior homelessness and lack of suitable housing options.
The Hildermans’ ordeal sheds light on the broader issue of housing affordability and accessibility for seniors in Calgary. The couple’s emotional support animal has become a lifeline for Sherry in managing her depression, underscoring the importance of pets in providing comfort and companionship for seniors. The eviction also raises concerns about the impact of rising housing costs on vulnerable populations like seniors, who may struggle to afford essential needs like food and medications if faced with rent increases.
As the Hildermans navigate the possibility of eviction and the challenges of finding suitable housing, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for more affordable and pet-friendly housing options for seniors in Calgary. The support and resources available to seniors facing housing insecurity must be expanded to ensure that vulnerable individuals like the Hildermans have access to safe and stable housing. The Hildermans’ fight to keep their emotional support animal highlights the importance of recognizing the role of pets in promoting mental health and well-being among seniors.
