Recent NewsSHIMI: Martin’s Story
Martin is an elderly man living with a diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia who was on the verge of eviction once again. He was facing homelessness due, in part, to symptoms of his mental illness. In the past these symptoms have triggered incidences that were not understood by his landlord. Martin’s living environment contributed to increased feelings of depression resulting in decreased mental health wellness.
Tenant Perspective
“Since I have been living with SHIMI, I have experienced many good things. I have good neighbours who live in the other apartments in the building. We are all on a tight budget but we are able to support each other by sharing. Most important for me is that I feel safe here. The landlord of SHIMI has been very helpful to me, they keep the place in good condition. I will often clean up around the yard to help keep things looking nice. I like to have my home look nice. I love my apartment, it is clean, warm and safe. I feel like this is my Home.”
At its core SHIMI works to provide safe, affordable housing for persons with mental illness living in the community. It places great emphasis on providing a dignified and improved quality of life. But while the main issue being addressed is homelessness, underlying the provision of improved shelter is the significant difference of acknowledging and ‘understanding’ the struggles of living with a mental illness and the impact it has on sustaining and maintaining decent housing. SHIMI has proven to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Martin’s story is a prime example.
Martin’s former one-room apartment was unfit for living: leaks, rodents, a lack of heat supplied by the landlord. Most of our visits to Martin’s apartment found him wearing his winter jacket with scarf and hat, as he slept this way each night. Leaks in the ceiling from an overflowing toilet upstairs gave off a smell of urine in a closet kitchen area. Rodents in his only closet forced him to stuff paper between the door and floor of the closet in the hopes that the rodents wouldn’t come out.
These situations were not those of paranoia but an often existing reality for Martin. Once again he wouldn’t unpack any of his meager belongings; this place, like all the other apartments, would not be home. Martin would not complain about these conditions to the landlord. He was paying $550 from his $735 Social Assistance check and he did not want to find himself on the street again. He had few options. Unfortunately, Martin’s situation is not an unusual circumstance for the many people that SHIMI serves: many remain silent for fear of eviction if they voice concern or complaints regarding any housing issues.
Martin has been provided with a newly constructed apartment (through funding by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Homelessness Partnership Strategy), and at a cost that will not affect the remainder of Martin’s monthly budget, meaning for example he doesn’t have to tap into grocery money to pay his rent or his utilities. The apartment comes with new appliances and furnishings, including Martin’s first new bed, and provides safety, support, warmth. Most importantly, it provides a renewed sense of pride, dignity, and a sense of stability. Martin still has issues related to his mental illness but now resides in an independent living environment where his illness is understood by those who support him and who are his neighbours. Martin’s illness is not an issue of shame that will have him evicted.
On a visit with Martin shortly after he moved in to his new SHIMI unit we were greeted at the door by a man dressed comfortably in his jeans and sweatshirt. Martin no longer needed his winter jacket indoors! That is success.
Joyce MacLeod, MSW, RSW
SHIMI Housing Co-ordinator