Family Finds a New Beginning with The Salvation Army’s Support

When the pandemic struck, Jessica, a single mother of three, had to deal with several challenges that significantly impacted her family’s life. She lost her job, and her mental health took a hit. On top of that, her family was evicted from their home due to a dispute with the landlord. Fortunately, The Salvation Army’s Cedar Place shelter in Sudbury, Ont. provided them with a place to stay.

“I was in school, so I wasn’t making any money. I had to do what was crucial for my family, so we ended up at the shelter,” Jessica shared. “I would have probably been on the street. I’m very thankful to the shelter for making the room for me and my children.”

“I was very afraid to go to a shelter, but the staff made my kids feel welcome and safe.”

During their time at Cedar Place, Jessica’s family got all the essential things they needed to be comfortable during their stay. They would get three meals a day, snacks, a private room for the family,  celebrated birthdays and received assistance from the staff when looking for a new permanent home. Additionally, Jessica received mental health support.

“I was very afraid to go to a shelter, but the staff made my kids feel welcome and safe. They were very helpful. I felt safe and at peace, especially with my anxiety and my depression. They made me feel like I was on the right path,” Jessica said.

The process of finding their new home was difficult, long, but not impossible. Due to Jessica’s employment status at the time, it was hard to find a place that would take her family in. Finally, nine months after she first walked through the doors at Cedar Place, Jessica found a three-bedroom home perfect for her family. She is grateful to the staff at The Salvation Army for helping her with the transition.

“I’m very grateful for everything they have done, and how it changed my life.”

“They were there to support me and help me with everything that I was going through,” Jessica added. “I’m very grateful for everything they have done, and how it changed my life. Now I have a house over my children’s heads. We have clothes, they have their own room, and I wouldn’t have this if it wasn’t for the shelter and all their help.”

The Salvation Army’s Cedar Place offers accommodation to women, children, and men with custody of children. The shelter is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. They currently have 28 spaces. Due to the current housing crisis, the spaces remain fully occupied most of the time.

Cedar Place’s Executive Director, Barbara Ridley, explains that the number of people they helped last year was down, but that was only because the stays are longer.

“When you take a look at the numbers, they are down, but that’s because women are staying longer. It’s just more difficult to find a house that’s affordable and safe at the moment. So, the numbers are lower, but the stays are longer,” Barbara said.

Today, Jessica and her family are enjoying their new home. Jessica is working part-time and attending counselling to take care of her mental health. She says that her experience opened her eyes to the reality of homelessness.

Although she no longer requires the service of The Salvation Army, Jessica still drops by to say hi.

By Juan Romero