Real Life Stories
Real Life Stories: Colin
Colin moved into Jarvis House over five years ago, and though it’s been a positive experience, his journey hasn’t been easy. After years of battling homelessness, securing housing has given Colin the opportunity to unleash his artistic ability. Now, through poetry and photography, Colin is learning to heal. Born in London England, Colin moved to…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Wendy
Wendy has been a resident of Bellevue, one of the 13 housing sites operated by Homes First, for over 20 years. She is admired and respected by staff, residents and volunteers for her kindness, determination and for her years of service on the Homes First Board of Directors. Born in Pickering, Wendy’s mother passed away…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Sherry aka Wanda
Sherry grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba as Sheryl Anne Noonan. Sherry was always a kind, gentle soul with a great talent for the visual arts. At the age of 26 she had a nervous breakdown and struggled with mental health from that point on. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. At the time she was…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Kyla
Always one with itchy feet, Kyla spent her life moving from city to city across Canada. By the time she was 27, she had lived in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Interested in constitutional law, Kyla decided to pursue a law degree at the University of British Colombia. While at school, she developed severe blood…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Edward
After 20 years struggling to survive on the streets, Edward now lives at Jarvis House, a Homes First property serving 24 older men, many battling alcoholism. “This is the longest I’ve ever stayed anywhere,” Edward says as he shows me around the living room he shares with three other men, all former Seaton House residents like…
Read MoreReal Life Stories: Tony and Terry
Walk down King St. on Saturday night and you probably hear Terry busking with his blues harp or guitar. At fourteen, Terry picked up a guitar for the first time. Not long after, he also picked up a drug habit. Both have been with him since. While the drugs landed him in jail and on…
Read MoreThe Healing Power of Art
Our creative endeavours connect us to a drive as old as the human spirit, but we also bring to our arts and crafts certain motives which belong to us as individuals. For Chester, Homes First resident and two-time Wanda’s Arts Award winner, a love of drawing began with the influence of his young grandson….
Read MoreResident Testimonial
First I must say many thanks for the services that you provided me with when I needed you most. Secondly I must say that you sent an Angel by the name of Anneisha McLean to assist me in my deepest time of sadness. If you ask me she is one of your biggest…
Read MoreInspiring and Courageous: Meet Bernadette
Bernadette has lost a lot to addiction, including daily access to the most important part of her life: her son. He lives with her parents in another town. Yet through sheer grit and determination – and your help – Bernadette is getting things back in order. “My child is a miracle,” she says, tearing up….
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