Finding dignity and community through affordable housing

After years of isolation, illness, and living in a basement suite, Carol’s world had grown very small. Everything changed when she moved into affordable housing. With a safe, accessible home of her own, Carol regained stability and dignity – and the freedom to transform future. She began rebuilding her life, growing into a teacher, a community builder, and an engaged grandparent.
Affordable housing didn’t just give Carol a place to live, it gave her the foundation to thrive.

Carol was born in Ontario and moved to Calgary when she was almost 18. She moved because her mother lived in Calgary and Carol wanted to live in a bigger city than the small hometown in Ontario.

She started a technical writing degree at Mount Royal University, but her studies were interrupted when her father became ill.

Carol worked multiple jobs to support her son, sometimes two jobs at the same time.

“I bounced around from job to job,” she says.
She worked in maintenance, security, vehicle registration, and caretaking for elderly people. She worked steadily to build stability for herself and her son.

Unfortunately, after her life of hard work, retirement wasn’t restful. Carol was diagnosed with epilepsy and began experiencing atypical migraines without pain but with nausea and double vision. She began having trouble walking, which led to a fall and a broken knee.

At this time, she was living in her mother’s basement.

“Honestly, it was kind of sad,” Carol says about her housing situation at the time.
She felt lonely and isolated. She didn’t have a mobility scooter, and she couldn’t even walk down the street to get her own groceries.

After many years on a difficult path, Carol approached Calgary Housing for help. A year later, she had a home of her own, one that gave her much needed independence, dignity, and a fresh start.

"My son has noticed a difference since I moved out of my mom’s basement and into the light. My quality of life has improved greatly"

Carol

Carol’s home has accessibility features that have changed her life. She has a roll-in shower, there are no stairs, and there are big windows with amazing views. Affordable housing gave Carol dignity and control of her life.

“When I came to see the home, I was blown away by the windows and the sunlight. Moving from there to here is night and day,” she says.

Carol initially was apprehensive about living in Calgary Housing, she didn’t really know what to expect. But Carol has “a wonderful community [and] many good friends [in her residence].

With more stability in her life, Carol has been able to give back. She recently got her license to teach and runs English as a Second Language (ESL) classes twice a month in her residence. She started a parent connection group for residents and her newfound stability has let others find theirs.

Carol’s son has seen the dramatic difference in her life and how her life has improved for the better. With a supportive community around her, she is able to be a present parent and grandparent.

“My son has noticed a difference since I moved out of my mom’s basement and into the light. My quality of life has improved greatly,” she says.

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