Our Supportive Housing program provides low-barrier, affordable housing to adults, seniors and people with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Everyone’s story is unique – here’s John’s.
John was three days away from being homeless when he moved into Supportive Housing in the fall of 2020.
“At first I guess I was judgmental myself, because I looked at who was living here,” John says. After his own history with substance use and legal issues, he was cautious about who he was spending time with and was worried that Supportive Housing would be a negative influence on him. “But when I moved here it wasn’t anything like I thought it was….it was people trying to better their lives. The people that (live here) are trying to change their lives.”
John’s lived in Powell River since he was 15. When the property he was living on was rezoned in 2020, he had to move out of the house he had been sharing with his brother and couldn’t find a place to rent. John moved into a friend’s house temporarily and when his friend had to move John had no where else to go.
“I don’t know what I would have done. I have a cat and [he] is the most important thing on this Earth to me. The thought of losing him or having to give him up for adoption put me in a huge depression and panic attacks. I was freaking out.”
John says he has felt “hugely supported” while living at supportive housing.
Shortly after moving in, John had some health challenges arise which caused him debilitating back pain and mobility issues. Staff supported John to get a medical bracelet, so they’d know if he needed help, and with their support John was eventually able to get a MRI and a diagnosis for his pain which has really helped his pain management and quality of life. “The staff here have been there for me the entire time, happily helping me do my laundry or helping me clean my room. They work hard, so, you know, if you want to change your life, they help in any way that they can with resources and anything that’s needed, right up to the bus tickets to get there.”
John worries that the public doesn’t realize the extent of the housing crisis in our community. “These places aren’t just for people who moved here from somewhere else,” he says, acknowledging the long-time connection to qathet Region that most of the building’s participants share. For now, he’s just grateful to have a home for him and his cat, Bung. “I want to give him the best life possible. I do spoil him. Give him every type of treat.”