Home gives Crystal and her family new hope

Leaving an abusive life left Crystal and her four kids homeless and vulnerable. Now in a new home, they are back at school and building a bright future.

Violence had become a regular occurrence in Crystal’s life. She felt isolated from everything outside her apartment walls. Eventually, for the sake of her four children, she decided she’d had enough. This was her chance to break free.

Crystal and her children arrived at Mary Dover House, the YWCA of Calgary’s refuge for women and children experiencing homelessness and poverty. She was referred to a property owned by the Calgary Homeless Foundation with support and community building services provided by CUPS.

“I didn’t think I had a future,” Crystal recalls, holding back tears. Her young daughter looks up at her, hugs her and tells her it’s OK.

Crystal’s courage and strength allowed her to change her life and the lives of her children. She’s become more confident and is working on going back to school. “I want to better myself for my children’s sake,” she says. “I want to get into social work. I had no idea how to get back into school but the staff are helping me with that.”

Their new home has allowed Crystal’s children to regularly attend school and for Crystal to become more involved in their lives and the community, helping out in each of their classrooms. She plans after-school activities, family playground visits and art projects. A rainbow of birdhouses hangs proudly on their balcony at home, which she and her children painted together.

Crystal is grateful to be surrounded by positive support. “There are a lot of people out there struggling and who can’t afford a home. CHF helps connect us with what we need.”

I want to get into social work. I had no idea how to get back into school but the staff are helping me with that.