Seniors living in Halifax tent move into apartment thanks to donors, volunteer

Two Halifax seniors who were living in a tent have moved into an apartment thanks to a volunteer street navigator and financial help from some kind strangers.

Judy Howe, 77, was homeless for around six months and was most recently living in an encampment on University Avenue with her partner, George Gillmore. Howe said they found themselves homeless after the Halifax apartment building they called home was sold to be torn down.

Through donations of furniture and money, the couple has moved into an apartment. One donor covered their first rent payment and another person has provided further financial support.

"Thank God to them. I don't know who they are, but I hope they get to see this and know how much both of us appreciate what they did," said Howe.

Tamara Stein, a volunteer street navigator, was working to find a home for the couple for a few weeks. A leasing agent contacted Stein last week to say she had an apartment available.

"I said, 'OK, George and Judy, do you want to go look? Let's see,'" Stein said. "[And] here we are."

Howe had kind words for Stein.

"She's a marvellous person," Howe said. "She does everything she can and she goes over and above and beyond her duties"

Howe said her favourite part of the new place has been to lie in a warm and comfortable bed, "not feeling unsafe."

And with colder weather approaching, Howe said she's grateful that they won't have to go back to living in a tent.

Stein said she's working on finding housing for another homeless senior.

"I pray that that all comes to fruition as well just as quickly because there's way too many seniors," she said.

"Nobody should be on the street, but let alone a senior citizen."