Dave and Sherry Hilderman, a Calgary senior couple, have resided in their subsidized two-bedroom apartment for over a decade. Their lives took an emotional turn during the pandemic when Sherry grappled with severe depression. Upon seeking medical advice, they welcomed Baby Girl, their cat, into their home as an emotional support animal. Fast forward to the present, the Hildermans find themselves facing a potential eviction due to their refusal to part with Baby Girl.
An eviction letter from Silvera for Seniors, their landlord, cites breaches in their lease agreement, including violations of the building’s pet policy and unauthorized alterations. However, the Hildermans maintain that they had previously received concessions regarding Baby Girl and deny making any unauthorized changes to their apartment.
Silvera for Seniors has presented the couple with alternative housing options in their pet-friendly buildings. However, the financial implications of these options are a major concern for the Hildermans. The monthly costs associated with the proposed accommodations are nearly double or even triple what they currently pay, making it an unsustainable option for their budget.
“We live paycheck to paycheck,” Dave Hilderman explains. “We simply cannot afford the increased costs.” The couple faces a difficult choice between their emotional well-being, tied to Baby Girl’s companionship, and their financial constraints.
The situation has also brought to light the challenges faced by seniors seeking shelter. Samantha Lowe of the Mustard Seed, a non-profit organization, reports an increasing number of seniors seeking shelter due to various circumstances, including chronic health conditions and lack of affordable housing options.
As the Hildermans navigate their eviction notice and the Mustard Seed grapples with the growing need for senior-friendly shelter options, the broader issue of supporting vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, remains a pressing concern.
