‘I thought it was a dream’: Halifax senior living in tent finds a new home
Global News
A Halifax senior who went public with his story about living in a tent last week has found a place to live thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
A Halifax senior who went public with his story about living in a tent last week has found a place to live thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
Melvin Ellsworth, 73, had been living at Grand Parade since July – just one of dozens of people staying at the site with nowhere else to go. The square, right next to Halifax City Hall, is now home to more than 30 tents, a symbol of the city’s ongoing housing crisis.
The senior has two bad knees and was due for replacement surgery, but didn’t have a permanent residence where he could recover.
After speaking with Global News last week, he said he was approached by a man who asked if he was still looking for a place to live.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
Ellsworth said the man told him he had a room where he could stay. They spoke for a few minutes and exchanged personal information.
“He said, ‘When would you like to have it?’ I said, ‘ASAP,’” Ellsworth said.
“He said, ‘Would you like to see it tonight?’ I said yes. He said, ‘Would you like to stay tonight?’ I said, ‘Guaranteed.’”