MARK'S STORY

My name is Mark Shapiro

I am a parent and habitat services board member

After the last 20 years, my son Kenny, who suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, now fits into the community.

After years of family disruption, in and out of hospitals, from one psychiatrist to another, searching in vain for direction and because of his obsessive-compulsive disorder, we were constantly at odds... with no cooperation from Kenny.

Living on the streets, the constant anguish and panic, not knowing where he was... was he safe? At times, he would show up at my studio... a street person, my son!

In our desperate search, we finally were able to connect my son into the system providing mental health services of support and housing.

Rochelle Goldman of the Chai Tikvah foundation opened that door... Habitat Services and the COTA organization provided the essentials for Kenny's daily living.

This major support led Kenny to get a job, have his own apartment... subsidized by Chai Tikvah, take his own medication and be responsible for the essentials of his daily life.

No words can express the feelings and relief a parent has... to have their son or daughter function normally and enjoy a life connected to community... and especially family.

We take comfort in knowing when we "pass on" our child will always have a safe and secure affordable home.

For this as a parent, I give heartfelt thanks to the government sources, and at the same time, ask for their continued support.

Former federal minister and head of Toronto peel implementation task force Michael Wilson's quote:
"...supportive housing is a cornerstone in the foundation to recovery, without it, the emergency wards , the jails , and the streets become the default options."