Stephen received vital support while homeless through ShelterCare.
You might not realize it to look at him today, but Stephen has always been a hard worker. He used to work six days a week at Food Basics in shipping and receiving.
“Now, I couldn’t even do a day,” said Stephen.
Stephen, now 66, was diagnosed with scleroderma three years ago – a fatal autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body, causing scarring and lasting damage.
For Stephen, that damage led to a badly damaged esophagus, making it impossible for him to eat regular food. He receives most of his daily nutrition intravenously, through a catheter.
Stephen was hospitalized shortly after his diagnosis and spent nearly a year living in Grand River Hospital because he had no place to go. Stephen lost the lease on his apartment during this time.
“It was hard in the hospital,” said Stephen. “I kept wondering, ‘Am I ever going to get out?’”
But because of House of Friendship’s unique ShelterCare program, which provides onsite health care and other support, Stephen finally left his hospital bed and moved into our program in 2024.
“I had a room with a little mini-fridge to keep my antibiotics in, and the Gatorade that I needed to drink to stay healthy,” said Stephen. “And I appreciated it, but it wasn’t the best place for me long-term.”
Stephen worked with Crystal, his support worker, who worked hard to find permanent housing for Stephen – and ensure that his healthcare support would continue.
“They kept on pushing and pushing for me to get housing,” said Stephen. “Crystal was a lifesaver.”
Finally, after receiving a letter from his doctor outlining the severity of his condition, Stephen was bumped up on the regional housing list, getting an
accessible apartment in Kitchener.
In his new apartment, Stephen has nurses visiting him regularly, along with a personal support worker who helps him shower. He also lives near a medical lab, making it easy to keep up with the regular bloodwork his condition requires.
Stephen is thankful for the support he received while at ShelterCare.
“It was nice knowing I had someone in my corner fighting for me,” said Stephen. “I don’t know what I would have done without that.”
Thank you for your faithful, compassionate support of our ShelterCare program, where men like Stephen get the help they need while struggling with homelessness. You are providing stability, dignity, and hope – thank you
