What is it like to live in a homeless shelter in Calgary?
My relative is on the verge of homelessness. He has been living in a dingy, bed bug infested motel in Calgary for the last 2 years. He kept all of his issues hidden as long as he could, but long story short, he's an alcoholic, has effed up his brain from it, plus he has some other health issues. he claims to have not drank for the last 3 months but i don't believe him.
He is about to turn 60 years old and has nothing left. He has alienating himself from all other friends and family, our parents are dead and we have no other siblings. His EI ran out in January and I have been paying his rent and sending him groceries since. I've been paying his cell for 4 years.
In March I told him that's it, no more, he has to figure his shit out. He was banking on his tax return to float him a few more months but it hasn't shown up yet so of course he begged for April rent. I paid it but again said that's it. I gave him links to Income Support, and the Rent Assistance program through GOA. I suggested he go to his doctor and get connected to a social worker to find other long term supports but I doubt he will follow up on any of this and I will be forced to essentially get him thrown out of his motel when i don't pay his rent. I just cannot enable this behaviour anymore. A homeless shelter will be his next step.
Can someone please tell me what it's like to live in a homeless shelter in Calgary as a male? I need to mentally prepare myself for what he is facing. What are accommodations like? food? daily routine? how dangerous is it? Any advice?