One of our staff members from Brenda's House was recently inspired by a woman who we helped in early January and this is her story. 

Four years ago, a mother with three children immigrated to Canada to join her husband who had arrived prior to his family.  During their time apart and over the last four years together her husband had racked up some serious debt unbeknownst to her, so when he decided to leave her and the children, she was left in shock.  Not only was she left with massive debt, but a house that she could not afford, which quickly brought upon some serious depression.

This now single mother was left to find affordable housing, while also adjusting to new treatment for depression. With all of this on her shoulders, she was thinking of her son.  He was in school and doing very well, in fact one of the top students, so she didn't want to take him out of his school.  Although now living across the city from where her son's school was, she diligently took busses across town with her son twice a day to give him the consistency and security he needed.

Working with the family support workers at Brenda's House, she was able to connect with a new family doctor, find a daycare for her children and stabilize her emotional health.  A few days ago, she received news that she was accepted into Calgary Housing after being put on a very long waiting list.  She was ecstatic!! This was the break she needed because subsidized housing will allow her room in her budget to begin paying off the debt her husband burdened her with.  She has set a goal of completing English as a second language courses, so she can begin the search for work and start to provide for her family.   We wish her the best of luck in her endeavours and we commend her for her strength and courage!