
Luis worked in the corporate world for almost 35 years and did “everything right”. He describes his life as comfortable – he provided for his family and made “astute, prudent financial decisions”, paying off his house and saving money in his nest egg for retirement. His career was demanding, and he loved it. He felt…
Sharon just celebrated her 49th birthday. She’s lived in Canada for 38 years. For the last six, she’s been in a cycle of homelessness, moving from place to place. “It started after my mom passed away. Shortly after that, my marriage broke down, and then I was on my own,” Sharon says. “Since I was…

Local activist, politician and academic Michelle Bilek has called Mississauga home even before it was named in 1974. But she hasn’t always had a roof over her head. The first time she was homeless, Michelle was only a child. “My mom grabbed me and my siblings, and we left my father in the night.” For…

I have never been homeless, but I have come close many times in my life. Enough to understand we are all just one bad month away from sleeping on the streets and by sheer luck, I have managed to keep a roof over my head…but living in poverty for many years, that was always a…
My name is Melissa Harricharan, and I am a member of the Peel Drug Users Advisory. I spoke at city council on July 6th, 2023 to be heard on issue of the implementation of the consumption and treatment service in Brampton and the importance of the site for community. Many people think harm reduction and…

“I…” Sierra cuts herself off with a sigh, shaking her hands from the wrist. “Sorry.” “It’s okay,” I whisper, nodding into my loose fist. Under the table, my finger taps my thigh, mining for a solution. Then, I sit up in my chair and grip the base of my ponytail. With my other hand, I…
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