For many of us, "home" is a given. But for Rosemary, a resident at Sanford Apartments, home was a hard-won victory – a journey that spanned provinces, loss, and years of searching for a place to call her own.

Rosemary grew up in Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver with her family. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother at a young age, and later her father in her 20s, she found herself navigating the complexities of the mental health housing system. She moved through group homes and rest homes, often sharing cramped quarters with strangers.

"I didn't have my own room," Rosemary recalls. "I wanted to move to a better place."

That "better place" finally appeared five years ago when she moved into Sanford Apartments. Today, the building – a project made possible by Streetohome donors – is where Rosemary has finally dropped anchor. For her, housing is about more than just a roof; it’s about the dignity that comes with her privacy.

"If we want to get away or have our own privacy, we can go to our rooms and just be alone. I like it here."

This newfound stability has given her the breathing room to focus on the things that truly matter. Her life at Sanford Apartments is now defined by a sense of belonging and the strength of her personal connections, and that sense of community keeps her outlook bright.

Rosemary is 52 now, and while she jokes about her "good genetics," her journey hasn't been easy. Yet, she is the first person to tell you that the system works when it’s funded with heart. Her story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. She is an active part of her community and a testament to the fact that with the right environment, individuals can move from "surviving" to "thriving."

Your contributions to Streetohome don't just build buildings; they build a foundation for people like Rosemary to reclaim their lives. Thank you for making "home" a reality.