Justin doesn’t stop smiling and he has a simple reason to why.
“This place is a blessing, it really is,” the 29-year-old said as he described the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Emergency Wellness Center.
“I have avoided going to other shelters in the city because those shelters are really rough and I’d rather sleep outside. Then I found out about EWC and they offer programming and I have been taking advantage of those programs,” Justin said.
Justin has been a relative at the EWC on and off for the last four months and he believes these programs are setting him up for the future.
“I will be taking a food safety ticket and would love to one day work in the food industry. I help out in the kitchen where I can,” Justin said. “There are lots of programs offered here and I hope everyone would take advantage of them. People who do want it will see a difference, we are thankful there are programs.”
Justin has been unhoused for the better part of the last decade after leaving a toxic home environment and arriving at the EWC.
“There is nothing like this in the city, honestly we need more facilities like this in the city. It really feels like you have help here, there are resources here and you feel better. I feel safe and I want to give back. I am also volunteering to deliver food to the elderly,” Justin added.
For Justin, he says his support workers are making all the difference.
“My support worker has set up a five-day care plan which is helping me. Having that structure has changed the way I look at things,” Justin added. “He also talked to me about my health and physical health and he plans to take me to the gym this week. The staff here are super nice, they don’t judge they just listen.”
