January 28, 2019
David, who more often goes by “Cosmo”, lived on the streets of Victoria for 15 years. But for the past three years, he has lived at Cool Aid’s Cedar Grove apartments on Gorge Road East.
“When I first moved in here, I was in a wheelchair because of a broken hip. So they had to put me in the handicap unit… One of the staff realized I was sleeping on the floor, so I got a knock on the door: ‘Would you like a bed?’ … I was so grateful because they got me a really nice bed, so I don’t have to sleep on the floor anymore.”
“My girlfriend often stays with me because it helps her fight her addictions… and she was a real big help when I was going through my healing process,” says Cosmo. He’s known her for 15 years and they have been together since he moved in.
“Cool Aid does a lot more than just housing. I also go downtown to the Cool Aid medical centre. I have a Cool Aid doctor to make sure I stay on my medication. There is counselling too.”
He knows that Cool Aid has plans to expand Cedar Grove, and that it will mean a temporary move for him while the new place is constructed. “But I like the idea of building more affordable housing,” he says, and, “I’m moving back when it’s completed.”
“It’s unfortunate that they can’t come up with more housing, because a lot of people are still living outside that can’t get housing, because there just aren’t enough places.”
“The majority of people that I know are very, very thankful for the help from other people through donations, clothing and food; whether they are homeless or in low-income housing.”
Cosmo is thankful even for the little things. “They have clothing here that people donate. We don’t have to pay for laundry, which makes it really nice.”
“I like it here. It’s better than being out on the streets. I get along with my neighbours quite well. We’re like a big, happy family. People are really just trying to get by with very, very little.”
