There is nothing I fear more than being homeless again. I grew up in a household of fear, and have survived several forms of abuse. I have been addicted to opiates. I have been incarcerated. I have had to fight for my literal survival on a lot of different occasions. I have hitchhiked across America, and lost everyone I loved at one point. My life has had more than a fair share of frightening moments, but nothing scares me nearly as much as homelessness. Even now, when I sleep I cannot dream of anything happy. All my dreams are terrifying and the recurring theme is memories from when I was without a home—without a place to hope, a place where I could feel safe. Life is difficult enough and without a place to stay, without ever feeling safe, life is not only empty and lonely, but terrifying. When one has nowhere to go, how can one really get anywhere?
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The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
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About UsCanadian Observatory on Homelessness
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is the largest national research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada. The COH is the curator of the Homeless Hub.
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- Foreword
- Introduction
- Stories
- 3. Contrast
- 4. All The Way Home
- 5. She must have been crazy
- 6. My Life Story, My Youth
- 7. Maison de Maternity
- 8. Hail Mary Pass
- 9. Into a storage locker
- 10. Officer Down
- 11. Rooming at the Haunted House
- 12. My Journey from Nova Scotia to Ottawa
- 13. Anatomy of Hero
- 14. Battered Schmattered
- 15. My Journey
- 16. Aloha Big Kahuna
- 17. How Being a Veggie Burger with Bacon Saved My Life
- 18. I brave enough to leave
- 19. Hope Eternal
- Policy
- 20. A Pragmatic, Humanistic and Effective Approach to Additions: The Importance of Harm Reduction
- 21. A Comprehensive, Community Process on Ending Homelessness: The System of Care Approach
- 22. What Comes Next? Supporting Individuals After Institutional Discharge
- 23. Healing the Pain and Hurt: Dealing with the Trauma of Homelessness
- 24. Ending Homelessness: Building not only homes but relationships of respect
- Conclusion
- Introduction
- Homelessness is Only One Piece of My Puzzle: Implications for Policy and Practice
- Stories
- 19. Hope Eternal