Our Impact

Client Stories and Testimonials

Nancy and Jessica

Jessica has lived with a serious mental illness since her teenage years, and for her mother Nancy, those early times were filled with fear and uncertainty. “I cannot describe the level of helplessness we all felt. How stigma can isolate families like ours, and how often the system leaves you to figure things out on your own,” Nancy recalls. After eight years on a waitlist, Jessica finally received the call that a home was available with Salus. “When we walked into her new place, Jessica looked around and said, ‘This is mine.’ She was smiling from ear to ear,” Nancy remembers. Since moving in, Jessica has not needed to be hospitalized and now has friends, a supportive community, and a place she can truly call home. “Salus gave her more than a roof. They gave her a sense of belonging and dignity and self-worth. And they gave this worried mother peace of mind,” Nancy says.

PHOTO: Nancy, Jessica’s mother, speaking at Soiree Salus

3,000+

People without a stable place to sleep tonight. The need for housing and mental health supports continues to grow, driving our commitment to expand access and remove barriers to care.

273

Places to call home. Providing homes and supportive environments that help people build stability.

2,250+

People have been housed with Salus. We walk alongside people as they build stability, strengthen their wellbeing, and create brighter futures.

Jon

Jon’s journey with Salus began at the Fisher Transitional Rehabilitation Program, where group-based living helped him develop important life skills such as cooking, household routines, and community living. After graduating from the program, he moved into his own independent apartment in a Salus building, where he is now part of a supportive community of neighbours and staff. Along the way, Jon reached an important milestone by earning his high school diploma, a goal that filled him with pride and opened new opportunities. Reflecting on what having a stable home means to him, Jon says, “Home is where you can just sit back and relax and move forward. It’s the place you always have to come back to.”

PHOTO: Jon and Theo, Salus Community Developer holding Jon’s high school diploma

“I truly view my job as a privilege. I love establishing a trusting relationship. I am stubborn, so I refuse to give up on anyone.”

— Salus Case Manager

Claire

When Claire first learned about Salus’s combination of housing and mental health support, she felt it “just made sense.” She joined the Fisher Transitional Rehabilitation Program, where supportive staff and peers helped her build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills. During the program, Claire discovered a passion for cooking and baking and completed her Food Handler’s certificate. After graduating, she moved into her own Salus apartment, where she continues to cook and stay connected to her community with support from her case worker and community developer. Reflecting on her journey, Claire says, “Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without Salus. They gave me so many opportunities and helped me believe that I shouldn’t give up and that there’s help out there.”

PHOTO: Camille Therriault-Power (Past Chair, Salus Board), Claire Burrows (Salus client), and Denyse Lacroix (Salus Rehabilitation Worker)