When your life comes crashing down around you, and too much pride to reach out to anyone, it can be difficult to look to organizations for help. This is William's Story.
I was injured on a job many years ago, and since then, things spiralled downhill. With very minimal income it was very difficult to keep a place. My life changed instantly when I won custody of my young son. I came to the realization that I was no longer just taking care of myself. I had my son who needed a good life, a loving father, and a family that loves him.
At the time I was living in a hotel when I brought my son to live with me. I needed more for him. It was time to swallow my pride. I was referred to Bethlehem Place and at the time I had a million things going through my mind, what will I do? where will I go? Because of my living accommodations at a hotel, an appointment was set up for me to meet an intake worker at Bethlehem Place. I was nervous asking for help. After being connected with a Support Worker, I felt better knowing there were people genuinely wanting to help us. I felt very comfortable talking to my Support Worker to discuss my situation. The worker was always accommodating and would tell me to drop by. I could not believe all the times they would go out of their way to help me.
When I received a call to let me know that they had a 2-bedroom apartment for me and my son I was ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy knowing that I could leave my hotel room and have a place of my own. Everyone involved at Bethlehem continues to go over and above their job to make us feel welcomed, secure and belonging. I started to regularly attend many of their in-house programs on a variety of subjects and bring my son to activities with the EarlyOn Centre.
Without Bethlehem Place, I really don’t know where my son and I would be right now. It’s a very tough world out there and many people need help. Today, my son is now enrolled in school and is healthy, happy, and thriving. We have recently moved out of Bethlehem Place and have a permanent home with Bethlehem Housing.
Your support is essential in helping Bethlehem to serve and support an even greater number of families and individuals like William.