Michael Smith, a 71-year-old homeless man with schizophrenia and multiple health conditions, longs for a place he can call home after being without one for 25 years. Currently residing in a downtown Toronto hotel, which serves as a temporary homeless shelter, Smith has built a sense of community and stability. However, the hotel owner plans to reclaim the site, leaving Smith and other residents uncertain about their future.

Despite promises of being able to stay until mid-August, some residents have been abruptly informed that they must relocate sooner. The non-profit organization running the shelter cites directives from the city as the reason for the move-outs.

The disorganized communication and scattered relocation dates have intensified Smith’s anxiety. The overloaded shelter system in Toronto, exacerbated by a lack of funding and strained resources, presents a pressing challenge for the city’s new mayor, Olivia Chow.

Experts suggest converting more hotels into supportive housing to alleviate the strain on shelters and provide long-term solutions. Smith, like many others, hopes for a downtown apartment with senior support services, emphasizing the need for stable housing after enduring a difficult life on the streets.