From Refuge to Community Through The Salvation Army
Atti Houshangi arrived in Vancouver in 2023, escaping political oppression and civil unrest in her native Iran. With no friends or family, the transition was difficult, but it was a reset she required for her well-being.
“I needed safety, calm and a chance to breathe again,” Atti shares.
Finding Stability and Hope
Once in Canada, Atti connected with a local charity that referred her to The Salvation Army’s Belkin House. She was welcomed and provided with a place to stay, meals and a new sense of stability.
“They made me feel at home. They gave me a bed, food and everything I needed,” Atti adds.
During this time, Atti volunteered at Belkin House in different ways. As a professional hairstylist, she offered free haircuts to other residents. Volunteering helped her practice English and rebuild her confidence to make connections within her new community.
Adapting to a New Life
Atti later joined The Salvation Army’s Personal Development Plan (PDP) program, which supports individuals as they work toward independent living. With guidance from the staff, she eventually secured permanent housing and employment.
Despite the milestones she has achieved, Atti’s journey was emotionally challenging. Far away from her children, while adjusting to life in a new country, she experienced a decline in her mental health. With the support of the Belkin House staff, she was referred to medical care that helped improve both her emotional and physical well-being.
“I will always be grateful to them. The Salvation Army was not just a support, it was a bridge back to life,” Atti says.
Giving Back
Today, Atti works two jobs and lives independently. Despite her busy life, she continues volunteering for The Salvation Army, returning weekly to offer free haircuts to residents at Belkin House.
For Atti, helping people to feel good about themselves is essential.
“When you clean yourself up in the mirror and you start making yourself beautiful, you start feeling better. You start believing that things will get better,” Atti explains.
“When I cut the residents’ hair, they feel happy and they are always very grateful. They tell me I do good work and they sometimes hug me. I always try to do my best for them.”
Nearly three years after leaving Iran, Atti says has found stability and a sense of belonging in Canada.
“In Vancouver, I found peace, friendship and love. I found a community. This city, this country, The Salvation Army and the people I met here became my family. I chose Canada as my forever home because this is where my heart felt safe,” Atti shares.
By Juan Romero
