Finding Hope in the Darkest Times

When I first walked through the doors of the YWCA’s transitional housing program, I was consumed by fear. Fear of the unknown, fear for my kids, and fear of what our future would look like. I’d never imagined we’d end up here. Ever.

For months, I lived in constant anxiety. Rent kept climbing, and my paycheck barely stretched far enough to cover the basics. Every decision felt like a gamble—buy groceries or pay the hydro bill? Gas for the car or new shoes for my kids?

It just wasn’t sustainable. When I couldn’t make the rent anymore, my landlord gave me notice.

I was terrified. Losing our home felt like losing everything. The walls of that house held my children’s laughter, their first steps, their milestones. And now, I was going to lose it all.

The day we left our home, I felt like I had completely failed them. I cried silently as I packed our belongings, feeling like I was uprooting the only stability they had left. The shame and guilt were unbearable.

Coming to the YWCA was a leap of faith. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment we arrived, I felt something I hadn’t felt in months: hope.

The staff didn’t just offer us a roof over our heads—they wrapped us in kindness and support. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone. My kids could stay in their schools, which was a huge relief—they didn’t have to lose their friends or their sense of normalcy.

Now, a few months later, the fear that once consumed me has started to fade. My support worker has been a lifeline—helping me budget, connect with resources, and work toward affording market rent.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m moving forward. My kids are smiling more, and I can finally see a future where we don’t just survive— but hopefully thrive.

This program saved us. It gave us a second chance and reminded me that even in the darkest times, there is always hope.

To anyone who supports the YWCA—thank you. You’ve given my family more than a place to stay. You’ve given us the chance to rebuild, to heal, and to find safety again.

We will never, ever forget this kindness. 💙

-Jaycee