Richmond senior now in long-term care after years on the streets

From May 27: Outreach workers in Richmond are sounding the alarm over a rise in seniors without homes.

A senior who had been living on the streets of Richmond now has a place to call home.

Seventy-six-year-old Tom Tong has been placed in a long-term care facility where he now has access to the support he needs, including a bed, a roof over his head and ongoing care.

Tong had been living outdoors for years, staying in parking lots and emergency shelters despite facing both mobility and cognitive challenges.

After the story first aired, outreach workers say efforts to find him housing gained momentum and the province was able to secure a space.

“And because of CTV News – and all the other media coverage on this situation – we’re finally getting a little bit of a push,” said outreach worker Stephanie Scramstad. “We were able to get Tom situated somewhere safe, and that’s forever grateful in our hearts.”

Those working closely with Tong say the change has been significant and that he has not stopped smiling since moving into care.

While his situation has improved, outreach workers say many other seniors in Richmond continue to experience homelessness, and they hope this case brings more attention to the issue.