Connor’s Story
“People may think living at a shelter is rock bottom, but if you push yourself to do better and accept the resources the staff offers you, you will succeed.”
I remember the first time I step foot in the YES shelter, scared, worried that I had lost everything, but that all changed in less than two months.
My name is Connor, I am twenty-three years old, born and raised here in
Peterborough. I was very outgoing and a people person, until two years ago.
I was living in Timmins when I got a phone call saying my mother had passed away. This call changed my life. I went into a deep depression and turned to drugs to try and escape reality. I lost my job and my car caught on fire. I felt like I lost everything. My family helped me by referring me in the YES Shelter, not to abandon me, but to help me get my priorities straight and get back on track.
The first day I stepped into the shelter, I felt lost and wanted to do nothing but sleep everything away. But the staff were extremely helpful by asking me what I want to do and finding resources for me, like housing and job sites. I went out and applied for a job at McDonalds and within two weeks I was hired on full-time. I was also on Ontario Works (OW) until I earned a steady income with McDonalds.
Getting the job was the first step, but I had to find a place to live once my six weeks was up at the shelter. I spent many of my days off looking for apartments, but I could not find any places to afford with the income I was bringing in, until I found a bachelor apartment all inclusive with Wifi and cable. Through OW, I was able to secure this apartment with first and last months rent, and four days left at the shelter.
Now I have moved into my place and getting my life back on track. I am earning a steady income, and I no longer require the assistance from OW. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the help from staff at YES.
Whenever I felt like I wasn’t moving forward, the staff were more than happy to lend a listening ear and steer me back in the right direction.
People may think living at a shelter is rock bottom, but if you push yourself to do better and accept the resources the staff offers you, you will succeed.
Have your priorities and don’t give up!