Real People.
Brighter Tomorrows
Every story is a reminder of the strength, resilience and courage of the women and families we serve. These are real stories of hope, new beginnings and brighter futures.
Mary's Story
“I never thought I would be one of those “homeless” people. I was a good person, a stay-at-home mom committed to raising our children into beautiful, moral, and outstanding citizens! But suddenly, due to a collapsed relationship and then an eviction
notice ( our home was sold and the new owners wanted occupancy), the decision to be a stay-at-home mom suddenly became my nightmare.
I cannot tell you how devastating it was to begin my so-called new life of moving from place to place with friends who really didn’t have room for us or could only offer time-limited accommodations. I couldn’t find a place I could afford, no matter how hard I tried. When I finally got into Sudbury Cedar Place, I was still scared and worried about our future. I didn’t expect to be greeted by a beautiful team of women who went out of their way to make my children and me feel at home. We had a place to lay our heads at night, food on our table each night, and all our personal needs were met. It was a safe and warm environment where we felt cared for. Finally, after months and months, we found a house. I was able to go back to school, and I am now a PSW worker, and I hope to become a nurse in the future. Anything is possible, but I know it would have never happened without the Sudbury Cedar Place Women and Family Shelter. Thank you for being there in my darkest hours.”
Mary
Jessica’s Story
When the pandemic struck, Jessica, a single mother of three, had to deal with several challenges that significantly impacted her family’s life. She lost her job, and her mental
health took a hit. On top of that, her family was evicted from their home due to a dispute with the landlord. Fortunately, The Salvation Army’s Cedar Place shelter in Sudbury, Ont. provided them with a place to stay.
“I was in school, so I wasn’t making any money. I had to do what was crucial for my family, so we ended up at the shelter,” Jessica shared. “I would have probably been on the street. I’m very thankful to the shelter for making the room for me and my children.”
“I was very afraid to go to a shelter, but the staff made my kids feel welcome and safe.”
During their time at Cedar Place, Jessica’s family got all the essential things they needed to be comfortable during their stay. They would get three meals a day, snacks, a private room for the family, celebrated birthdays and received assistance from the staff when looking for a new permanent home. Additionally, Jessica received mental health support.
“I was very afraid to go to a shelter, but the staff made my kids feel welcome and safe. They were very helpful. I felt safe and at peace, especially with my anxiety and my depression. They made me feel like I was on the right path,” Jessica said. The process of finding their new home was difficult, long, but not impossible. Due to Jessica’s employment status at the time, it was hard to find a place that would take her family in. Finally, nine months after she first walked through the doors at Cedar Place, Jessica found a three-bedroom home perfect for her family. She is grateful to the staff at The Salvation Army for helping her with the transition.
“I’m very grateful for everything they have done, and how it changed my life.”
“They were there to support me and help me with everything that I was going through,” Jessica added. “I’m very grateful for everything they have done, and how it changed my life. Now I have a house over my children’s heads. We have clothes, they have their own room, and I wouldn’t have this if it wasn’t for the shelter and all their help.”
The Salvation Army’s Cedar Place offers accommodation to women, children, and men with custody of children. The shelter is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. They currently have 28 spaces. Due to the current housing crisis, the spaces remain fully occupied most of the time.
Cedar Place’s Executive Director, Barbara Ridley, explains that the number of people they helped last year was down, but that was only because the stays are longer.
“When you take a look at the numbers, they are down, but that’s because women are staying longer. It’s just more difficult to find a house that’s affordable and safe at the moment. So, the numbers are lower, but the stays are longer,” Barbara said. Today, Jessica and her family are enjoying their new home. Jessica is working part-time and attending counselling to take care of her mental health. She says that her experience opened her eyes to the reality of homelessness.
Although she no longer requires the service of The Salvation Army, Jessica still drops by to say hi.
Jessica’s Story was written By Juan Romero
Marie Thérèse’s Thank You
The entire team at The Salvation Army in Sudbury, Today, I have so much in my heart, and I don’t know if words can truly express how grateful I am. I spent more than a year with you, and during that time, The Salvation Army became much more than simply a place where I could stay. For me, it became a place where I felt welcomed, respected, heard, and supported. When I arrived, I was going through a difficult period in my life. I wasn’t sure what the future would bring. But little by little, thanks to your presence, patience, and understanding, I found the strength to keep moving forward. I want to thank you for all the times you were there for me, even when I didn’t always have the words to explain what I was going through. Thank you for listening to me, for your kindness, your understanding, and your support. Thank you also for all the small everyday gestures that may seem simple, but that can mean so much to someone going through a difficult time. I will never forget the way you welcomed me and supported me. You helped me feel less alone and reminded me that difficult moments are only one part of life, and that it is always possible to start again. Today, I am continuing my journey with new plans, new hopes, and much more confidence. And part of that strength comes from the people I met here. I may be leaving Sudbury and The Salvation Army, but I am not leaving without remembering everything you have done for me. I am leaving with a grateful heart and beautiful memories that I will carry with me for a long time. Thank you for your unconditional support. Thank you for giving me a place when I needed one. Thank you for treating me with dignity and respect. And most of all, thank you for being there for me. I wish the entire team continued success in helping, encouraging, and giving hope to people who, like me, sometimes simply need someone to reach out a helping hand.
You have made a difference in my life, and I will never forget it.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
With all my gratitude and affection.
Debbie’s Thank You
Here for You, Day or Night
Our team is available 24/7 to provide support, information and shelter assistance.
Please reach out – help is just a phone call away.
705.586.3293
cedarplace.info@salvationarmy.ca
261 Cedar St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3B 1M8