The number of seniors using homeless shelters in Fredericton has surged in recent years, driven by rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing. According to Warren Maddox, executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters, the increase is likely between 20 and 30 percent since 2021, and he predicts it will continue. The aging population of Baby Boomers is expected to further contribute to the trend over the next decade. Madeleine Gaudet, board president of Stepping Stone Senior Centre, expressed shock at the rise but acknowledged warning signs. Seniors with fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to the impact of rising housing costs. The issue is not isolated to Fredericton, as a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported a national increase in older adults accessing shelters.