*Stock photo used to maintain client privacy
Laura is a 63-year-old resident of Archway’s Hearthstone Place who has found a sense of stability and community that was elusive during her time living on the streets. This is Laura’s story of transformation and resilience, from her life before Hearthstone to living there for the past seven years.
Life Before Hearthstone
Laura first moved to Abbotsford from Ontario with her parents and brother when she was around 25. Tragically, her brother was killed by a drunk driver when he was only 27. In her thirties, Laura moved away from her family home in Abbotsford to live up north but returned after just a few years to take care of her mother and father.
“It was unfortunate, but we had to put my mom into a care home and my dad died from cancer.”
Laura had a job as a cashier where she enjoyed interacting with customers. However, her shifts started to dwindle, and she could no longer pay the cab fare needed to get to work. She also experienced mental health issues during this time.
“Sometimes when everything just seems to go wrong at the same time, that’s what it was like. Everything just went chaotic,” said Laura.
“People become unhoused for a variety of reasons and once they’re in the cycle of poverty it’s almost impossible to break on their own,” said Megan Capp, Associate Director of Housing and Community Justice at Archway. “Sometimes people use substances to self-medicate undiagnosed mental health issues or to escape the trauma of their past and present.”
“And as housing prices continue to increase, we’re seeing more people, particularly seniors, being unhoused solely due to financial reasons which is incredibly unjust.”
With limited support and resources, Laura was forced to navigate the harsh realities of homelessness.
“I was on the streets on and off for about a year. I stayed in a couple parks like Jubilee Park and Mill Lake Park. I stayed down by Salvation Army and Haven in the Hollow. There aren’t many places I haven’t been,” said Laura.
Living without a permanent home was incredibly challenging. Laura recounts the difficulties of finding safe places to sleep, the constant threat of theft, and the harsh realities of surviving outdoors. She was living in a shelter before she came to Hearthstone, but she described the experience as miserable and “everything was so dark and dreary.”
The lack of stability and the presence of individuals dealing with various crises created an atmosphere that was often tense and, at times, unsafe.
“You don’t want to be homeless. Nobody wants to be, but unfortunately you are,” said Laura.
“Sometimes when everything just seems to go wrong at the same time, that’s what it was like. Everything just went chaotic.”
“People become unhoused for a variety of reasons and once they’re in the cycle of poverty it’s almost impossible to break on their own. Sometimes people use substances to self-medicate undiagnosed mental health issues or to escape the trauma of their past and present.”
Arriving at Hearthstone
In March 2017, Hearthstone Place opened its doors to individuals like Laura who had been homeless or were at risk of homelessness. As a low-barrier housing initiative, Hearthstone offers 24/7 support, advocacy, and connections to community resources. Operated by Archway and in collaboration with the City of Abbotsford and BC Housing, its goal is to empower residents to live independently and with dignity.
Laura vividly remembers her first day at Hearthstone in 2017 where she was introduced to David Kariuki, Archway’s supportive housing supervisor.
“I’ve known David for almost 8 years, and he always makes me smile. He’s a good person and he’s good at his job. He’s very fair.”
When she was shown to her individual suite, she realized just how much she had missed having windows, a luxury she hadn’t experienced at her last shelter.
“Walking into my room and seeing those big windows—it was a very nice feeling. It picked my spirits up.”
At Hearthstone, the staff make every effort to ensure new residents feel welcomed and comfortable, prioritizing a gradual and supportive transition into their new home. Staff allow residents to get used to their new surroundings without the pressure of immediately adjusting to a new routine or engaging with multiple staff members.
“The transition from experiencing homelessness to a more structured housing environment can be difficult for residents, so we don’t overwhelm them with too much information at the start,” said David.
Hearthstone staff
“You don’t want to be homeless. Nobody wants to be, but unfortunately you are.”
Life at Hearthstone
While she still experiences mental health struggles, life at Hearthstone has brought Laura a sense of stability and community. She appreciates the clean, well-maintained building and the supportive staff who are always ready to help with any problems.
Without Hearthstone, Laura believes she would still be homeless, facing the daily hardships of that life.
“You get too old for it. There’s nowhere to sleep, and it’s just not safe. I’m very fortunate to have found a place like Hearthstone.”
A Hopeful Outlook
Today, Laura finds joy in simple things like her morning coffee routine and socializing with fellow residents. The staff’s dedication and support have been invaluable, helping her navigate various challenges, from renewing her medical card to providing emotional support.
Laura’s journey at Hearthstone is a testament to the impact of stable housing and community support. As she continues to move forward, she remains hopeful and grateful for the opportunities that Hearthstone has given her.
“Hearthstone has been home for a while now, and I’m very lucky to be able to call it home.”
“The transition from experiencing homelessness to a more structured housing environment can be difficult for residents.”