LINDA'S STORY

No one really knows what it is like until they experience living in a dark, damp room with no windows, no refrigeration, no heat and no rights.  At the time I felt fortunate just to have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in.  I paid $550.00 a month for this, a cockroach and mouse infested room with the bed springs that scratched my body.  The bed springs made it impossible for me to sleep, so I changed mattresses only to find the new mattress was loaded with bed bugs.  As horrible as this picture may seem, it was actually worse than I can describe.  I was suffering from severe depression and finding myself in and out of hospital repeatedly.  I lived in places like this for a good part of my life.  Believe me, it was no life.  I felt like a zombie and I was just going through the motions trying to survive with no sense of self–esteem, self-respect, dignity, purpose or hope.

Then my life changed when I became involved in a program called Progress Place.  Progress Place gave me many opportunities and chances for self-growth.  One of the best things that ever happened to me was the opportunity they gave me to move into Supportive Housing Coalition housing.  For the first time in my life I felt safe.  I had support and it was affordable. 

When I first saw my 1 bedroom apartment I couldn’t believe it was mine.  I didn’t think that I deserved such a beautiful place.  I actually thought it might have been a mistake and it would be taken away from me.  I had windows and they opened and I could see out.  Oh, the light, the sun!  I could smell the grass, hear the birds.  I had my own bedroom, my own washroom.  I had a full kitchen with a stove and a refrigerator. 

Now I am able to cook my own meals and I can entertain with pride.  The most striking change to my life has been the privacy, peace, quiet and cleanliness.  The space…I’m talking huge.  My own apartment, with a balcony.  This changed my attitude dramatically, affecting all parts of my life.  I’ve worked several part-time jobs:  I’m on the SHC Board of Directors.  I do consultations through Progress Place training and visited programs which have taken me across Canada, USA and abroad.  I now recognize my rights as a person and as a tenant and advocate for myself and others.  My confidence is growing.  Is it ever nice to be able to stand up for myself and say “no”.  My life has completely changed since I moved into my own apartment.  It is not just an apartment, it is my home.