Esther's Story

My name is Esther Mwangi. I came to Canada in 1984 from Kenya as a student to do my Grade 13. My parents sent me to Canada to get a university Education. This would help me get a good job when I returned to Kenya. However, when I came to Canada I was 22 and had never lived outside of Kenya.

Now I was in a new country without my family, friends or community. I felt isolated, but I kept my mind on my studies, determined to do well.

I completed Grade 13 and went to York University. Within the first month there, I was befriended by a seemingly harmless Christian group which I later discovered was a cult. For three and a half years, I was a member of this cult. I was attracted to it because it gave me a sense of belonging and community — something I was missing. The cult became my life, and I spent most of my time with church-related activities. My grades suffered. In my fourth year, I decided to leave the cult to improve my grades. I didn't realize what a hold it had on me and I almost immediately had a breakdown. Leaving the cult was like leaving an abusive relationship. I had no friends or support and I felt very vulnerable. I had to drop out of university and was admitted to the Wellesley Hospital for psychiatric problems.

For the next ten years, I was in and out of hospital. Fortunately, by this time I had become a landed immigrant. I had to go on welfare and for two and a half years I lived in shelters or in hospital for treatment. I spent anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months in hospital and when I was discharged, I would end up in a shelter. I had no home.

Once when I was being discharged in 1994, I was assigned a social worker from CRCT. This worker asked me if I wanted permanent housing. She directed me to Houselink and soon I was living in a co-op. I lived there for ten years; I lived with 4 other people.

The rent at Houselink is geared to income. Now it was possible for me to have my basic needs met. My admissions to hospital were greatly reduced. My health stablised and if I needed help my roommates knew what to do. I was part of a community there. I had a housing worker who helped me solve any problems that might have arisen in my living situation. I returned to university on a part-time basis to finish my degree, because Houselink also offers bursaries for those who want to take courses.

Supportive Housing has made a big impact on my life and has helped me now to have my own place in a Co-Op. I was one of the lucky ones. There are thousands out there who need it but can't get in to supportive housing. I am glad to be able to speak out for the Dream Team to try and get more supportive housing units available so that others too can be lucky and have hope for a bright future.