Women’s Shelter : Vicky’s Transformative Journey

Located in the heart of Montreal, L’Abri d’espoir is a shelter and residence dedicated to welcoming women in difficulty. It provides immediate support along with services and programs designed to facilitate their social reintegration. In this compassionate environment, Vicky Harvey, facing significant challenges as an expectant mother battling her addictions, found refuge and new hope. Managed by the Salvation Army, this center has greatly contributed to her transformative journey, offering not only a safe place to live but also a chance to rebuild her life and look forward to a better future.

The path to sobriety was not straightforward. With the resources offered by L’Abri d’espoir and iron-willed determination, she began her detox. Michèle and Gabrielle, Salvation Army workers, were by her side to help her find the necessary tools to tackle her issues with substance abuse and mental health. Together, they created a safety net that allowed her to rebuild her life piece by piece.

By giving me support, the Salvation Army did something great for me. They helped me uncover my willpower and strength, providing the necessary push that has brought me to where I am today.

Three and a half years later, she is unrecognizable. Not only has she maintained her abstinence, but she has also secured stable employment, reconnected with her children, and regained a self-confidence that seemed forever lost. “I’ve regained independence, a normal life I never imagined possible,” Vicky shares.

Motivated by her experience, Vicky is now looking forward to the future with a desire to give back to the community. She concludes: “Everything they’ve given me, I want to give back now. Because it has deeply marked me and I want others to benefit from it. To help them understand that we are not alone.”

Vicky’s testimony not only highlights individual strength and resilience but also the profound impact of L’Abri d’espoir and the Salvation Army on the lives of community members.