After nearly a decade living abroad, Linda* returned to Calgary with her daughter, leaving behind her husband who stayed to fight for unpaid wages. Evicted from their home and homeless for months, Linda’s search for shelter in Calgary turned into a daily, heartbreaking routine—calling every shelter at 6 a.m., only to hear there were no spots available. With nowhere to stay and no time to look for work, Linda felt her world closing in.
One day, she found her way to Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) and Distress Centre’s Coordinated Entry program, where she met Jane. Jane patiently helped Linda apply for income support, offering kindness and understanding during every step. But when Linda’s application was denied, it felt like the last straw. Overwhelmed with despair, she confided in Jane that she was experiencing thoughts of suicide, thinking that if she were gone, someone would be forced to care for her daughter. After that, Jane became her lifeline, calling her daily with words of encouragement and reassurance, helping her hold on.
Hope amidst crisis
Slowly, things began to shift. First, Linda appealed the income support decision, and they approved her application this time. Then, she found a family through a church willing to take her and her daughter in, giving her the stability to search for work. Following that, she secured a job. In addition, her daughter was back in school, bringing her the consistency she desperately needed.
Throughout it all, Jane was there—a steady source of encouragement and support. Linda’s gratitude poured out: “Jane, thank you for being there for me. In my time of desperation and despair, you were my lifeline. Your support lifted me, kept me going, and reminded me never to give up. Because of you, I found hope again.“
*Name and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality.
How you can help
Linda’s story is just one of the hundreds we encounter every day. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, we want you to know that we are here.
Your donation ensures that we can continue being a lifeline for those in crisis. Help us stay here—for you, for Linda, and for our community.
