Kim’s Journey to Find a Place to Call Home

For much of her life, Kim McEachern struggled to find a stable home where she could feel safe and secure. She grew up within the children’s aid system and as an adult, experienced homelessness and instability.

“I had an apartment, but it was rat and cockroach-infested, so I had to leave,” Kim shares. “I had nowhere to go after that. I couldn’t afford it, so I went to The Salvation Army.”

For almost three years, beginning in 2023, Kim moved between The Salvation Army’s shelter and other women’s housing facilities in Chilliwack, B.C.

“I had nowhere to go, so I went to The Salvation Army.”

During this period, a Salvation Army caseworker worked closely with Kim, referring her to accommodation options and assessing additional needs. She also received practical support and emotional and spiritual care.

“The staff were great. They were really nice to me,” Kim says.

With the help of The Salvation Army, Kim moved into permanent housing in late July. After years of uncertainty, this move has brought her a much-awaited sense of peace.

“I’m loving it. It’s great. It feels good to have your own space,” she says. “It’s a very good feeling.”

The road to housing did not come without challenges. Just a couple of weeks before moving, Kim suffered a fall that resulted in serious injuries to her legs. She spent some time recovering in the hospital and although she was out of the shelter, staff at The Salvation Army continued to support her.

“They took care of my dog Bella while I was away,” Kim shares. “This is why I appreciate The Salvation Army, because they’re always there for you.”

Throughout her life, Kim has found a break from life’s challenges through art. Her passion for drawing and poetry dates back to an early age and remains strong today.

“I like to draw my experiences. It’s a way for me to escape the norms of everyday life,” Kim says.

“I want to volunteer at The Salvation Army. I believe it would be a rewarding experience.”

Her talent was recently on display at an art event hosted by The Salvation Army in Chilliwack, called “Unhoused, Unhidden”. This exhibition featured artwork from people who have experienced homelessness, addiction, poverty and mental health challenges.

Although Kim was unable to attend due to her injuries, she felt proud that her drawings were included.

As Kim recovers at home, she is already looking forward to the next chapter of her life.

“Once I complete physio, I would like to help people. I want to volunteer at The Salvation Army. I believe it would be a rewarding experience,” she adds.

Looking further ahead, Kim’s goal is to pursue a career in counselling, using her own experiences to help others facing similar challenges.

By Juan Romero