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Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration
#MyMichaelHouseStory
Hi friends, Michelle here – nice to virtually meet you. Thank you for joining Michael House in celebration of Supportive Housing’s 5th Birthday! I will be here each week to walk you through this building I once called home. I’m going to share my story with you, highlighting how the Supportive Housing Program helped my son and I get back on our feet.
Thank you for believing in Michael House, and believing in Mom’s like me.
#HomeforGenerations
#Home4GenerationsTurns5
Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration
#MyMichaelHouseStory
Hey friends, Michelle here to start my Michael House Story.
I guess you could say my story starts with a phone call.
My mom struggled with addiction my whole life, and I never really knew my dad. My Grandmother raised me but had passed away the year I had my son. I didn’t have any other family that lived in the province. I was in an abusive relationship with my live-in boyfriend, and enough was enough. I knew I couldn’t do this alone. With a combination of bravery and fear, I made the decision to call Michael House one afternoon while he was out of the house.
I was relieved to find out that Michael House did not have an age restriction on the women they support. I had called another support program the day before, but I was unfortunately too old for their services. They suggested I call Michael House.
The Michael House intake worker was comforting and helpful. She asked me some questions about my situation and provided me with additional numbers and advice. When Michael House called me back a couple days later to follow-up I was so relieved. They asked to meet with my 3 year old son and I for an intake interview. We met that same day and they offered us a 2-bedroom apartment in their new Supportive Housing Program. I almost couldn’t believe it. My son and I moved in safely 2 days later.
My whole life changed with a phone call.
My story continues… stay tuned for a detailed look inside the Supportive Housing Program.
Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration
#MyMichaelHouseStory
Michelle here again. Thank you for following my story. I’m excited to start our tour of the Supportive Housing building today.
When you first walk into Emily’s Place, you are entering what we jokingly call “Stroller Alley” ?. You are greeted by many strollers and car seats, the first indication that this building is busy!
A calendar helps us remember important programming and events. Plaques on the wall recognize some of Michael House’s most generous sponsors and donors.
Do you see the beautiful exposed brick wall? Did you know Emily’s Place was built behind an old existing home? Stay tuned for more information about the original building!
#homeforgenerations
#home4generationsturns5
Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration
#MyMichaelHouseStory
#ThankfulThursday
Are you enjoying the tour of Emily’s Place so far? With Thanksgiving coming up this weekend, I wanted to show off our beautiful Angel Recognition wall. The bright colours always put a smile on my sons face when walking up the stairs to our apartment.
We are thankful for the Angel donors who commit to Michael House, allowing for growth and expansion of their programs to reach even more women and children just like us.
#homeforgenerations
#home4generationsturns5
Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration #MyMichaelHouseStory
Michelle here again. My tour continues in the Atrium of the Supportive Housing building. This communal, shared space is so bright and comfortable. We use this space for in-house programming and functions or parties, but also to just chat and spend time together. There is lots of room for the kiddos to run around. Before Covid, the women who live here could borrow this space to host birthday parties with their family! Diaspora Church group would meet here in the atrium on the weekends, inviting the women and children to join. This room represents community.
#home4generationsturns5
Emily’s Place Supportive Housing Birthday Celebration #MyMichaelHouseStory
My tour continues in the Community Kitchen of the Supportive Housing building. Michael House uses this space for the Drop-In Program, cooking classes, functions or parties, but also to just chat and spend time together. I always enjoyed sharing a coffee here in the morning with the staff in the office. I remember a local community garden group would donate fresh produce to Michael House throughout the summer, and we loved coming to the kitchen to pick up our veggies for the week. #home4generationsturns5 #homeforgenerations