I would like to start by asking you all a very simple question, have you ever felt uncertain about something? I’m sure you have.
Perhaps the most obvious thing would be about the future, right? I want you to hold onto that feeling…imagine being told right now, that you are no longer allowed to go back home. I really want you to think about how it would feel not knowing where you were going to sleep tonight or if you’re going to eat today. It’s definitely not the best feeling.
I want you to imagine what kind of feeling you would get; being told you now have a place to sleep. There’s plenty of food available and so, so many caring individuals who want to help you. That is the feeling of sweet, sweet relief. This is how I remember feeling during my first encounter with the YWCA.
So, let’s start at the beginning. I was homeless way too young; I was also dealing with multiple mental health concerns that were undiagnosed at the time. The only medication or therapy I knew was smoking a lot of weed. I was occasionally able to sleep at my friend’s house. Sometimes, I would sleep on top of a hill in a park in Aylmer, and a lot of the time I slept in the loft of the barn I used to work at. I was still trying to attend school and the guidance counsellors and teachers were a big help. My guidance counsellors hooked me up with a very kind lady who then ended up introducing me to the YWCA.
The YWCA did not have rooms available at the moment, so they actually go me a room in a hotel for a few days until I was able to get a room in the Women’s Residence at the YWCA. However, I didn’t just get a warm bed, I got my own room. I’d like to quickly touch on how important it is to have privacy after being in a traumatic situation. Having your own space can provide the feeling of safety and stability. I was given access to food, a phone, clean towels, blankets and bedding, personal hygiene products, and an entire support system.
I was then introduced to Harmony House. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to move in! It was a big change. The environment was completely different and felt super comfy. After moving in, I continued to go to school and settled into the house. As time passed the impact of being homeless started to set in. I was now out of survival mode and entered depression mode. I stopped going to school and eventually was asked to leave due to my lack of attendance. At this time, I felt maybe if I secured a job this is what would be best for me. My worker was able to help me complete a resume, and I was able to get hired with a cleaning company. The Y was able to help me secure funding for my work uniforms and shoes, which I truly appreciated. Once I started to work my mental health began to decline even more to the point where I had to quit my job. My worker was very supportive during this time, I received taxi vouchers to get to my doctor’s appointments, I received funding for therapy, and they even helped me find a therapist.
Eventually, I was chosen to be the resident advisor at Harmony House. I have always been attracted to leadership roles, and this truly gave me a boost of self-confidence. It makes a big difference when other people believe in you. I attended a program called the Youth Skills Development Program offered through the YWCA. I was able to obtain the remaining high school credits I needed to graduate. Best feeling ever! I also received certification for CPR, safe food handling, which helped me with employment.
As time has passed, days seem calmer. I look forward to growing as a person and doing activities made possible by the Y. For example, tomorrow we are going to do some gardening together!