At Siloam Mission, we are frequently reminded of how close many people are to needing to use our services. All it takes is a few missed paycheques or mortgage payments and life can take an unforeseen turn.

You never know what challenges you will go through in your life. Or what you may have to overcome.

At Siloam Mission, we document stories of people being in a place they never expected, or trying to make their way back to where they want to be. Here are a few examples:

Jill (not her real name) used to look at people who are homeless and think “they’re just feeling sorry for themselves” until she experienced homelessness herself.

“It was scary. I don’t know anything about street life and I had to experience everything right from scratch,” she said.

After going through a divorce and coping by drinking and experimenting with drugs, Jill found herself going downhill very fast.

“I had lost my home and I didn’t know what to do. I was all by myself,” she said.

Then one day she was dropped on the doorstep of Siloam Mission by her ex-husband. It was the chance Jill needed to get herself back on track and her life began to change.

She added, “I came to Siloam Mission and they offered me a chance to get myself back together.”

Brent (not his real name) was an athlete who excelled in soccer. During his younger years, he played for Team Manitoba and his talent was noticed by a scout for a team in Portugal. Brent was offered a spot on the team.

He quickly accepted and left Winnipeg. During his 12 ½ years in Portugal, he became addicted to cocaine. This, along with a knee injury, led to the end of his soccer career. A much-needed operation for Brent’s knee brought him back to Winnipeg.

“This was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said, noting it began his road to recovery.

Once Brent was back in his hometown, he attended a rehabilitation program for several months to overcome his drug addiction; he’s been clean for a number of years.

Brent is getting his life back on track while serving others at Siloam Mission at the same time.

Some days are still a struggle: “It’s still something I don’t think you ever beat unless you can always say no,” he said.

No one dreams of being homeless, and contrary to what many may think, it is not an easy life. A main objective of Siloam Mission is to meet the immediate needs of those experiencing poverty and homelessness and we strive to do this in a manner that conveys dignity and value to those who need it. We also work in transitioning them into self-sufficient lives.

Siloam Mission’s programs and services are provided free of charge, with respect and without discrimination. From daily nutritious meals, to clothing and hygiene items, to shelter, health care and employment training programs, we serve hundreds of people like Jill and Brent every single day.

We lend a helping hand to those whose lives hang in the balance.

–Larry Updike is the senior spokesperson at Siloam Misison

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