Meet one of our participants, someone who has created their life journey over the past three years with Aunt Leah’s help.
Zephyr struggled with parental break up and lived in group foster homes through high school. They found that housing option difficult and were fortunate to move into Aunt Leah’s semi-independent housing while still under 19.
When their agreement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development failed, and ended their residence in our contracted housing, they had a month to find housing or face homelessness. Zephyr looked for a home that would accept them and their 1 cat, at the time, on a $1200/month budget. Space is scarce, if not impossible to find. “It’s either a sketchy room in some dude’s basement or a shelter”.
As luck would have it, and thanks to the support of BC’s Rental Protection Fund, Aunt Leah’s Properties had recently assumed ownership of a 41-suite three-storey well-maintained apartment building located in the heart of Burnaby Heights. We converted an underused office into a studio space and welcomed Zephyr and Flynn, and later Vespyr, into a new home.
What’s good about living in an Aunt Leah’s home?
“I have a safe, secure place of my own that I can afford. The neighbours are nice and we have formed a mini-community of cat lovers. We help each other out. And Anastasiya is awesome!”
Anastasiya is the Housing Operations Manager for Aunt Leah’s Properties who supports residents at the Burnaby apartments. Read Anastasiya’s story to learn more about the work that makes housing at Aunt Leah’s such a supportive place.
Zephyr’s love of animals is a life passion. They feel confident that now that their home is stable they can confidently pursue their career as an animal care professional. A recent graduate of the Veterinary Office and Animal Care Certificate Program at Douglas College, Zephyr is actively looking for work.
They know that more education may be required to obtain a meaningful position and they are actively pursuing the Veterinary Technician program also offered at Douglas College. (The BC Government provides tuition waivers to youth from care until they are 29 years of age)
Life has its ups and downs but a home, friends, support and a clear vision of future goals makes the journey easier. Zephyr’s advice to other youth from care is “you have to advocate for yourself.”
Learn more about education support and navigation services at Aunt Leah’s.
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