Brian has been through a lot. He’s lived in his truck, dealt with serious health problems, and spent many days feeling alone. He found stability and a fresh start thanks to Wesley’s Housing First Program in Halton.
Brian had been experiencing homelessness for around 7 months. He worked as a security guard but lost his job at the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic and didn’t have a stable income to rely on. Both his mental and physical health had declined in recent years as he experienced challenges, including PTSD, depression, blood clots, and even a broken arm from a car accident years earlier that still causes pain. Life just kept throwing hard things his way.
When asked what it felt like to have all of this on his plate, Brian shares that “It kind of plays with your head. It makes you feel like nobody cares. And when you suffer from depression, it makes it worse. It’s a terrible way to feel, like nothing is in your control.”
Brian’s journey took a positive turn when he began working with Wesley’s Housing First Program in Halton. From there, he met people from Wesley who slowly helped him get back on his feet. One of the most meaningful changes for Brian came when he connected with Nikita, a recreational therapist at Wesley in Halton.
Nikita asked Brian what he enjoyed doing, and they found a shared interest in photography, so naturally, they began going out to take pictures together. That hobby turned into something much bigger. It gave Brian a reason to get outside, to move, and to enjoy moments of peace and beauty. “I’ve always liked taking pictures,” says Brian, “it helps me feel like I’m doing something good.” He hopes to take photography courses in the future to further his learning and acquire new skills.
While looking for support in getting through his difficult times, Brian didn’t have a phone plan, so he used free Wi-Fi at the library or coffee shops to find resources. Even when it felt incredibly difficult, he never gave up. “I did all that without a phone,” he said. “Just using email and the library. You need to be resourceful.”
Now, Brian has been housed since August. He’s getting regular support and focusing on his health and hobbies. While he still experiences pain and other physical health struggles, they’re under control, and his mental health has been more stable with all the work he’s put into healing, and that’s a big win. Feeling supported and finding new motivation to pursue his passion have been life-changing for Brian.
With hopes of one day reuniting with his children, Brian is taking the time to work on himself, little by little. “You’ve got to get right with yourself first,” he says.
When people talk about success, they often think of jobs, school, or money. But right now, for Brian, success comes in many forms, and he now knows that every step forward, no matter how seemingly small, is important for his healing journey. “Sometimes even just getting out of bed is so hard, and when you do it, that’s a big success,” he says. And he’s right. Everyone’s journey is different.
At Wesley, we believe in supporting people through their own version of success—whatever that may look like.
For Brian, it means having stable housing, feeling a little better each day, and taking beautiful photos along the way – some of which are featured below.
And that’s something worth celebrating!
