They should be planning for retirement, not getting evicted from an apartment.

Food banks were always a place that Paula donated goods to, but never did she think she would become reliant on them. After 40+ years of working hard, at the age of 62, Paula was forced to stop working because she fell ill. Paula found herself struggling to pay for rent and her day-to-day bills; her living costs far exceeded the frequent, yet modest, disability cheques she received. Food banks were her saving grace, but as her health continued to rapidly decline, so did her ability to travel to and from the food bank. Eventually, a worried neighbour knocked on Paula’s door, and immediately she knew that Paula needed medical attention. Paula was rushed to the hospital where she was told she had to include more nutrient-dense foods into her diet—the very foods she was no longer receiving from the food bank. Paula was barely able to pay her bills and rent prior to her health issues, let alone follow the doctors’ new recommendations. Paula knew she needed to take her diet seriously or risked being re-hospitalized. With nowhere else to go, she applied for supportive housing. However, due to limited availability, she ended up in the shelter system. Paula was grateful for receiving three meals a day, however, was still unsettled that she did not yet have a place to call home. Just as her hope and health were waning, Paula got the call from Homes First that she secured an apartment. Once moved in, she received enhanced food security supports in the form of ready-made meals that accommodated her dietary needs. With the supports she received from Homes First staff Paula was able to slowly start rebuilding her strength and presence within her community. Having personally experienced the unforeseen challenge of meeting some of her most basic needs, Paula now seeks to bring awareness to the barriers that many face in acquiring nutritious food. She volunteers at the very food bank that she once was reliant upon, providing nutritional information and support to others who have fallen on hard times. It’s her way of paying it forward.

From a very young age, Harry was exposed to substance abuse. Growing up in a household where both his parents struggled daily, it wasn’t long before Harry faced his own substance use challenges. At the age of 16, Harry left home. He spent years working odd jobs, couch surfing with friends or sleeping on the streets – something he told very few people. Eventually, Harry stopped working altogether. He had grown to distrust medical professionals and had become accustomed to the shame he felt when prodded about his drug use.

Harry was 51 when he was in his eighth year of waiting to receive housing; this is when he also started experiencing chest pain. It had been at least ten years since he’d seen a doctor. When he finally received the call from Homes First that he was accepted into a supportive housing unit, Harry quickly gathered his few possessions and moved in the next day. 

Upon settling in, Harry’s case manager noticed the grey hue of his skin. She suggested that he see a doctor and offered to attend the appointment to support him further. Harry would come to appreciate that extra support: he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure just one week later.

Treatment of Harry’s condition is complex; Harry will need countless follow up appointments with specialists, prescriptions filled, and considerable support relating to his substance use challenges. 

Without the housing and support from Homes First, Harry doesn’t think he would be with us today. “While the doctors are the ones treating my heart, it’s Homes First that saved my life.”

John’s story of homelessness is one we hear too often; situated in a stable job for over 20 years, his world turned upside down when the market did. Soon after, he was out of work. John applied for Employment Insurance and planned to use the money to travel to British Columbia for a job prospect. However, at the last moment, the money was denied. At the age of 55, John was homeless for the first time in his life. When his friends began to distance themselves, John fell into a deep depression. After several years of bouncing between the shelter system and streets, his feelings of isolation intensified. John had lost hope that he would ever regain his previous quality of life, that is, until Homes First offered him a place to live. Homes First was not only able to provide a roof over John’s head, but also the supports vital to his wellbeing. It wasn’t long before John started feeling like himself again. Staff were able to connect him to mental health supports and encourage him to participate in on-site programs, where he’s made several new friends. John and his neighbour are so close that they celebrate every holiday together, taking turns to host.