Introduction

by Peggy Birnberg – Executive Director, Houselink

I love Houselink. It's a very unique organization and attracts amazing people. I love the work, i.e. providing good quality supportive housing to people who are psychiatric consumer survivors, our incredible staff, our volunteers, and our members who are psychiatric consumer survivors. I feel especially privileged to have been invited to write this introduction and, in this way, to be a small part of this innovative book project

All of us have a story, and of course, each story is different. But one of the most exceptional things about Houselink members is that their stories always have an underlying theme of courage and strength. Living with mental illness and in poverty tests the human body and soul to its limit. Yet somehow our members find a way to be hopeful, caring, and creative, and to define their own paths to Recovery.

I have learned many things from our members over the years I've been at Houselink. I have had endless opportunities to get to know them both in terms of the work I have done, and personally. I am a better person for this. I look at the world differently. I see Houselink through a different lens, and I approach my personal life in a different way.

Through the stories in this book, you will have a rare opportunity to take the experiences that our members generously share and apply them to your ownthinking and lives.

Kudos to the members who shared their stories. We will all be richer for reading them. Sincere thanks to Max Wallace, the book project coordinator who is an author himself and encouraged, supported, and shared his skill with the members who participated. To Joe Ward for his amazingly creative graphic design and layout. To our staff Jackie Rankine and Naomi Berlyne, my sincere appreciation for your wonderful ideas and ongoing work with our members. And thanks too to Scott Russell who always responds to our many and varied requests for assistance.

Enjoy the stories. They are truly amazing!