William is 61 and originally from Ontario. His parents had him going back and forth to Vancouver since 1972 . He loves to play piano, guitar and the violin. He used to be in a band. He loves also to draw. His struggle is to be able to maintain his mental health and continue as he says "To take my happy pills". Having his computer to write his stories and do his art is his only joy.

Natalia is a sweet 43 year old lady who was originally from London. She now lives with mental issues. She has worked at a cafe as a waitress and found that work difficult. Her dream would be to become a security guard, but is concerned that her mental issues will be a barrier to her becoming one. Despite knowing that taking her medications is important, her biggest challenge is remembering to take them every day. But the thing that picks her up is playing with cats, because they make her feel "excited".

Chris is a 58 year old male, originally from Montreal and is a proud Montreal Canadians fan. Chris has previsouly trained to be a chef at BCIT. Unfortunately, in 1990 Chris suffered a head injury and had 3 operations to relive the blood clot in his brain. As a result, Chris does not have the ability to taste or smell food anymore. Amongst his health challenges, Chris struggles to pay his bills and meet every day basic daily living needs.

Jean-Claude is from Quebec. He is 38 and has been in Vancouver for 5 years. He has worked as a programmer. he has struggled with depression, epilepsy and substance abuse. He is grateful for a warm place and support that he receives.

Tommy is 38 and grew up in East Vancouver. It has been hard for him maintaining employment after the death of his brother 2 years ago. He has applied to volunteer with mission possible. He is grateful for Carnegie Outreach and the living room.

King is a 65 year old man from Malaysia. He was away oversees and came back 6 years ago after his divorce. He has lived and worked in several places in Canada. He misses his Mother the most as she is his biggest supporter. He also misses his children.

Glen is 57 years of age and from Alberta. He has lived in BC for 20 years and 7 of them in Vancouver. He has struggled with a lot of health issues. He suffered a heart attack 6 years ago, has esophagus issues and some psychological struggles. He enjoys volunteering st the livingroom and peer support. He had a paradigm switch since his heart attack. He quit smoking drugs and wants to focus on helping others as much as he can.

James moved to Vancouver from Interior BC when he was 18 years old. He is 52 and likes working with his hands, having done various kinds of car autobody work in the past. Now he would like to pursue something more artistic such as welding metal statues and constructing wooden cabinets. Despite struggling through life, he feels like he is getting a bit better at life. He realizes that smoking drugs doesn't help. However, he still finds it challenging to deal with his own internal battles, admitting that he "thinks too much". He values life itself, and says that the most encouraging thing is "nothing more than breathing".

Permjeet is 64 and is a Vancouver native. At one time he worked at the Richmond Plywood Corporation but now is retired. Permjeet was driven to the Downtown Eastside by family violence. His greatest challenge is dealing with mental issues and in particular, anger management. However, he gets encouragement from talking to other people.

Jean-Pierre is originally from St.Jean, Quebec. Before relocating to Vancouver, Jean-Pierre traveled all over the Arctic working for oil drilling camps. From Edmonton, he moved to Vancouver ("for the weather"--he loves the sunshine) and has lived in the Downtown Eastside for 3 years. He is 72 now, and even in his golden years he is looking for love, and says that his greatest challenge is finding a significant other!

Jason is 40 years old and is originally from Kingston, Ontario. He was raised by a single mother and lived in a wealthy neighbourhood at one point, but felt as though he did not belong. He left and now lives in the Downtown Eastside. James also struggles physically as he has diabetes, is blind in one eye and has spontaneous seizures. Living on disability, he makes up extra money by selling merchandise. He still keeps an eye out for the vulnerable, and in two cases saved females from being raped by less savoury people on the Eastside. He has had other victories, such as overcoming a drug addiction.

Marie-Claude is originally from Quebec, but came to Vancouver a year ago for the warmer weather. Years ago, she worked as a flight attendant but had to quit because she became pregnant. Now she is not working but lives on a pension. Mari-Claude struggles with physical health problems, including diabetes and arthritis. Not only so, but she also has to fight against mental health problems--namely, depression. She feels better after a good night's sleep, however. She also wrestles with not being able to see her children and grandchildren, who live in Montreal.

Kelly is a Vancouver native. She has struggled with cerebral palsy all of her life and has always collected a disability cheque. She would love to be independent and be able to support herself. She does what she can and doesn't smoke, do drugs or get drunk. However, she has a heart for people and loves to learn about people. One of her favourite things are hugs!

Mary Anne is an East Van native and has been living in the area for her entire life. She is now 54 and is not working, but is supported by a disability cheque. In fact, she battled through cancer and came out as a survivor. The thing that makes her feel most encouraged is volunteering and being part of the communities around her.

Dale is originally from Fort St. James. He has had issues with his relationships, and 6 years ago moved to Vancouver in order to get away from his family. He would like to work, but currently is only supported by a disability cheque. His biggest challenge is finding a job so that he can support himself. Despite not being able to work, Dale finds encouragement from staying active and exercising.

John, 53, was born in Timmins, Ontario. He came to Vancouver both for work and for the warmer weather. Because of health issues, he is not working but is getting by with a monthly disability cheque. However, he finds joy in giving back and is volunteering at two different churches.

Maria is originally from the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires. She has lived in Vancouver for a long time though--26 years. She is faced with many concerns right now, the biggest one being something that many of us take for granted: simply feeling secure when she walks around. She also has blood clots and is afraid that she might have a stroke. Maria is 56 years old.

Renee was born in Vancouver and grew up in Coquitlam. While living in Langley, she became homeless and decided to relocate to Vancouver. Because of back ache problems, she is not working and is on welfare. Her biggest challenge is finding food. However, she does believe in God and finds her strength from praying.

Nadine is originally from Edmonton, but moved to Vancouver with her mom in 1994. She worked for a year in commerce, but now has come onto financial hardship. She has to live with many disabilities. One of her biggest challenges is finding a specialist to help her with her health problems. However, she is determined to not let all of these things get her down, and practices positive thinking.

Carol is a 55 year old woman, born in the Foot Hills of Alberta. She moved to Vancouver in 2001. Carol has struggled with drugs & alcohol for many years. She woke up one day & was tired of the way her life was. She sought spiritual advice, and received support & clarity for her life. She had a very challenging childhood. To this day, she struggles to keep herself from falling back. But being around positive people, helped to encourage her daily.

Wendy Lou is a 58 year old female, originally from Fort Frances, Ontario. She's lived in BC for 50 years. She was a waitress, and nurse's aide in the past. She would like to do some fire fighting in the future. Her biggest challenge is keeping warm & dry.

Jennifer is a 37 year old female, originally from Prince Rupert, BC. She moved to Vancouver, as her Bipolar Disorder became hard to deal with. She has done mostly customer service work. Her biggest challenge is food. Her husband is what makes her feel most encouraged.

Clydal is a male, originally from Bella Bella, BC, who has been living in Vancouver for 16 years. His biggest challenge is healing himself. What helps him feel most encouraged are the staff members.

Justin is a 45 year old male, originally from Manila, Philippines. His biggest challenge is food.

Chuck is a 67 year old male, originally from Vancouver Island. He has lived in Vancouver for 6 years, since he was injured. He was a rock n' roll drummer for 47 years, until he suffered from a severe foot injury. His biggest challenges are food, keeping warm, and surviving on disability. What helps him feel encouraged is friendliness from others.

Daniel is 48 years old. He was born is Dryden, Ontario. Daniel has lived in Vancouver for 15 years. He has volunteer at many places. He finds encouragement through volunteering and cooking.

Janice is a 51 year old female. She is originally from Manitoba and has been living in Vancouver for the past 20 years. She previously worked as a waitress. Her biggest challenge has been finding food to eat.

Serena is 21 years. She was born in Edmonton. She came to a youth shelter in Vancouver about a year ago. Her biggest challenge is her security however she finds encouragement through her kittens and the staff at The Living Room.

Thomas is a 36 year old male. He has lived in North Vancouver for the past 13 years. He previously worked in landscaping.

Robert is a 31 year old male, who has lived in Vancouver all his life. He has always lived in group homes, as an adult. He has done volunteer work, had a dog walking business, and sold goods at a flea market. He would like to work at McDonald's. His biggest challenge is dealing with his health issues, learning disabilities, and diabetes. What helps him feel most encouraged are volunteer work, and his support systems.

Justin is a 47 year old male originally from Winnipeg. He moved to Vancouver in 1994. His biggest struggle has been keeping warm.

John is 65 years old. He is originally from Vancouver and is still living there. John is on disability and cant work.

Kim is 51 year old female, originally from California. She grew up in Salmon Arm, BC. She moved to Vancouver 8 years ago, due to her husband's abuse. She worked in restaurants, and on the highway dept. Her biggest challenge is security. Security helps her feel most encouraged.

Clement is a 54 year old male. He was originally from Manitoba. Clement moved to Vancouver for a change of scenery, following the sudden passing of his 16 year old daughter. To this day, Clement's biggest challenge is overcoming the fact that he can not see, hear, nor touch his daughter. Additionally, Clement struggles to afford daily living necessities. Despite his struggles, Clement is grateful for life and that even strangers can genuinely care about him. He thinks that anything he received for Christmas would be "like winning the lottery."

Isabelle is a 68 year old female, originally from Germany. She has been living in Vancouver for 45 years. She has done factory work, and clerical. Her biggest challenge are food, keeping warm/dry, and security.

Rocky is a 61 year old male. He is originally from Toronto. He previously worked as a drafter and building designer. His biggest struggle has been finding food, keeping warm and dry.

Rose is a 38 year old female, originally from Nanaimo, BC. He moved to Vancouver over 10 years ago with her mom. She has done community volunteer work. Her biggest challenge is meeting people, due to mental health issues & shyness. Being around friends, working with people, feeling needed, and contributing to make a difference in someone's life, are what helps her feel most encouraged.

Philip is a 54 year old male. He is originally from Calgary. Philip was adopted at 2 years of age. His family bought a hardware store in BC and moved to BC with them 30 years ago. Unfortunately, due to a car accident, Philip lost his job.

Brent is a 43 year old male, originally from BC. He has been living in BC since he was 8 years old. He used to be a dishwasher. His biggest challenge is the dangers of being a part of a homeless community. Having a positive attitude, and humor helps him feel most encouraged.

Garon is 52 and from Quebec. He came to Vancouver 2 and half months ago to find a job as a cook. He has worked as a cook and became a master cook. He struggles to keep warm and have security. He has hope to find a job and have a better life himself and his children.

Badreddine came from Morocco 3 weeks ago. He came for a better quality of life. He lives in a shelter but hopes for more security. His hope is to find a good job and a more secure place to live.

James is 33 and from Haiti. He came 5 months ago looking for work. He has worked in construction, in customer service, as an interpreter. He struggles obtaining a place to live and having a phone to get work. He hopes to get work to secure him a more secure home.

Jean-Ian is from Quebec. He is 43 and has lived in Vancouver or 10 years. He was in the army years ago. He struggles with depression. He is grateful for any support he receives.

Yves is 48 years of age and from Quebec. He has been in Vancouver for 10 years. He was a fireman. He is recovering from an amputation that happened earlier in the year due to an infection.

Michael is from Montreal Quebec. He is 46 and came to Vancouver 8 years ago for the better weather. He has been on disability his whole life. He has struggled with alcoholism . He is grateful for any support he receives.

Stephane is from Quebec. He is 37 years of age. He came to Vancouver 15 years ago.He has been a cook for a non profit organization. He struggles with many things as he has medical issues. He is grateful the the people at LaBousolle

Schelastique is from Burundi. She fled her war torn country and came to Vancouver as a refugee in 2014. She use to work for an non profit agency as a health worker. She struggles to settle into and adapt to a new country and new culture. She desires to learn to speak English.

Pie is a 60 year old man from Burundi. He fled his war torn country and came to Vancouver as a refugee in 2014. He is working to adapt to the culture and to a new country. He is currently not working.

Telesphore is a 58 year old man from Burundi. He arrived in August of this year as a refugee. He used to work as an administrative coordinator and security investigator. His biggest challenge has been to "Be free". He is encouraged when people are aware of the current condition of the people of Burundi and their struggles.

Lessard is from Quebec and has been in Vancouver for 3 months. He worked as a drywaller. He struggles to have food on a daily basis.. He tries to stay positive so he can better his life as he misses his family; especially his son.

Shawna is from Prince George BC. She has been in Vancouver for the past 7 years now. She struggles with depression and anxiety but is very grateful for her volunteer work at the park. She loves to be social and interactive with people.

Dan is 60 years of age and from La Valle Quebec. He came to Vancouver in 1978 to visit and never left. He has been volunteering at the Living room drop in. He is grateful to be clean and sober for several years. He is grateful for his friends. "They are my brothers". Places like the Living room and their support mean a lot to him.

John is a 57 year old paraplegic man from Victoria BC. He has been in Vancouver since 1979. He loves volunteering at customer service and mission possible. He is currently attending VCC. He loves helping people.

John is a 55 year old man from Montreal Quebec. He moved from Calgary to Vancouver this past June. He struggles with PTSD but since arriving he has made a lot of friends and is grateful for the support.

Michael was born and raised in BC. He loves his volunteer work at the Living room. Mental health issues challenge him. Building model cars give him peace of mind. Coming to the living room and helping/spending time with people are his source of encouragement.

Kai is originally from Hong Kong. He is 56 and has been in Vancouver for 45 years. He volunteers at the kitchen and mission possible. He says that everyday is a challenge when you have depression. Just getting out of bed can be challenging. His dog "Buddy" is his saving grace and is his reason for taking on another day.

Michelle is 61 and originally from Quebec. She has lived in Vancouver for 39 years. She worked as a health consultant for 25 years and in accounting for 15. She is retired now. Staying clean and sober and not hurting herself is her biggest challenge in life. She is lover all things art. It is her love and passion. She also loves working with "Hives for humanity".

William is a 44 year old man from Toronto. He has lived in Vancouver on and off but has recently been back for the last 2 months. His biggest challenge is looking for work to keep himself busy. He has worked for a temp agency in the past.

Jas is a 58 year old man from India. He has lived n Vancouver for a very long time. He is grateful to have survived cancer. Volunteering , helping people and surviving cancer really encourages him. He has learned that he is grateful for everyday he has and he no longer stresses about the things he cannot control.

Mark is 53 and originally from Windsor, Ontario. He has been in Vancouver for 4 years now. He is currently working towards becoming a peer support worker. He is currently waiting for hip surgery so pain has been challenging him. Some days can be challenging but he is keeping a positive attitude. He is grateful for his friendships.

Robert is 56 and from Stettler Alberta. He has been in Vancouver on and off since 2004. He enjoys his volunteer work at the Living room and his peer support work. As well he has just started traffic control work. He is looking forward to getting back to working. He shares that "I am too stubborn to give up so never get complacent with where you are at. Comfort can be a dangerous thing."

Ron is a 52 year old man originally from Edmonton, Alberta. He has lived in Vancouver for 20 years. He really wants to get back into the work force and hopes for an opportunity. He has physical challenges to cope with. He is grateful that he has a computer to keep in touch with his daughter and friends that he has made.

Michael is 69 and a First Nations elder who is originally from Alberta. He is a loyal member of the community, having worked as a baker at the Westin for 45 years and volunteered at the Living Room for 23 years. Recently however, he has found it difficult to find a place suitable for somebody who is getting older, a place that is easy to walk around and without stairs. He still is reaching out to his loved ones. having been reunited with his daughter after 25 years. Michael's favourite thing to do is spend his Sundays with his 3 grandchildren ("two twins and one baby").

Martin Z is originally from Winnipeg and has been in Vancouver over 25 years. He is one who likes to live life and go on adventures. One time, he challenged himself by climbing up Mount Seymour. Now that he is 63, he enjoys things like watching hockey and football games, and even rollerskating.

Florence L, now 62, has had to deal with many transitions in her life. Originally from Yellowknife, she became homeless and came to Vancouver to search for something better. She has worked at many different places, including lots of kitchen work, elderly care facilities, forestry and a casino. Unfortunately, she is on disability right now and is struggling to find suitable housing so that she can have her grandchildren over to her home. Her children and 5 grandchildren are the lights of her life.

Teresa N is 51 years old. Since moving here from Hong Kong in 1976, she has faced many challenges. However, she works hard to support herself, selling calendars and magazines, and volunteering at the Downtown Eastside women's shelter. Her dream was to become a police officer but thinks it is too late now, considering her older age. She also wishes that she could further her education by getting a license or diploma, but cannot sacrifice the time to sell magazines and make an income. Despite how her work is time-consuming, Teresa says that her greatest joy is making money from her wares.

Lyle is a Canadian-born man, having been raised in Ontario. However, he had to leave Toronto years ago and has been living in Vancouver for decades. Unfortunately, due to health problems he is not working and has to live off of a disability cheque.

Larry is originally from Bella Bella, on an island off of the coast of BC. He loves to volunteer and has made a long-standing contribution to the community, having served as a volunteer for 15 years.

Michael grew up in Banff, Alberta but has lived in Vancouver since 1996. He is without a job, and says that his biggest challenge is just getting by, day by day.

Glen is a 55 year old male, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. He has been in Vancouver for 31 years, and has worked in the service industry for most of his life. He struggles with severe depression & panic attacks. His biggest struggle is obtaining food & diabetes. He is encouraged by doing volunteer work, which makes him feel better about himself by helping others.

Linda is a 51 year old woman, originally from Nova Scotia. She has been living in Vancouver for 5 years. She worked at First United Church. Her biggest challenge is food. What helps her feel most encouraged are her friends.

Deni is a 57 year old male, born in Lamont, Alberta, who grew up on a farm. He had an accident, and the cold made his pain worse, so he decided to move to Vancouver for the warm weather. He has lived in Vancouver for 11 years. He used to sell his art, and has worked at Safeway. He is on social assistance, as he is considered unemployable due to his brain injury & mental health issues. Money, food, clothing, and shelter are his biggest challenges. What helps him feel most encouraged are his friends, support system, volunteer work, and reading his bible.

Todd is a 42 year old male, originally from Revelstoke. He moved to Vancouver to reunite with his mom. He has been living in Vancouver for over 15 years. He has done roofing, logging, and computers web design in the past. His biggest challenge is finding a good place to live, due to his depression & anxiety. Music & Art helps him feel most encouraged.

Terry is a 58 year old female, originally from Williams Lake, BC. She moved to BC for better medical services due to health issues & mental health issues. She's been living in Vancouver for 24 years. She used to work at a sawmill, as well as restaurant work. She is presently doing volunteer work, as she is unemployable due to her disabilities. Her biggest challenge are HIV, walking, diabetes, food, and clothing. Her support system, and volunteer work help her feel most encouraged.

Shahrouz is a 43 year old male from Iran, who has been living in Vancouver for 20 years. He likes to volunteer, and would like to seek more volunteer support. He focuses on having positive attitude.

Merle is a 43 year old male, originally from Alberta. He has been living in Vancouver for 33 years. He used to be a carpenter. His biggest challenges are food & security. What helps him feel most encouraged is being able to talk to his kids.

Jaime is a 38 year old female, originally from Red Deer, Alberta. She has been living in Vancouver for 16 years. She used to work in the kitchen, and did crafts. Her biggest challenges are his Bipolar Disorder, FAS, and ADHD. Music & coloring help him feel most encouraged.

Tod is a 56 year old male. He was born in Quesnel BC and moved to Vancouver to seek better health care treatment. For the past 18 years, he has struggled with bladder cancer, chronic migraines, failing kidneys, drug/alcohol abuse, hepatitis C, bacterial and viral infections. Due to his multiple health issues, Tod is put on a special diet that he struggles to afford.

Vance is 34 years old. He was born in Burnaby and lived in Okanagan area. Vance has volunteer with dog walking and Labour jobs. His biggest challenge is mental and physical health issues and food. He find encouragement through friendship and the Living Room drop in centre.

Holly is a 45 year old female. She is originally from Vancouver. She has previously worked in security. Holly is most grateful for homeless shelters such as the living room to keep her dry.

Catherine is a 47 year old female. She is originally from Montreal. She has been living in Vancouver for the past 24 years. Previously, she has worked in the hospitality industry. Her biggest challenge has been finding security. However, she is grateful she has a part time job.

Jack is 63 years old. He is from Beaurejour, Manitoba however has been on Vancouver eastside for the last 20 years. Jack's biggest challenge is his security.

Patrick is 57 years old. He is originally from Vancouver and has lived here his whole life. Patrick has worked as an Electrician until his injury in 1992 (Back/Arm) he is unemployed due his injuries. His biggest challenge is health issues and his security however he finds encouragement through friends and the Living Room staff.

Karen is 48 years old. She is originally from Ontario and has been in Vancouver for the last 20 years. She has worked as a wild life and forestry conservation officer. Karen finds encouragement through her faith in Jesus.

Debra is a 61 year old female. She is originally from Vancouver. Debra has previously worked for social services for approximately 15 years. Due to recent health issues (PTSD), she has been having challenges trusting people and making friends. However, she is encouraged that on some days, she is able to take herself out of her safety zone.

Mary is 34 years old. She is originally from Nova Scotia and moved to the Vancouver area 12 years ago. Mary's biggest challenge is finding housing and medical difficulties. Mary finds encouragement through good friends

Danielle is a 30 year old female, originally from Los Angeles, Philippines, and Britain. She has lived in Vancouver for about 17 years. She has done hair & nails, as well as babysitting, for work. Her biggest challenges are security, food, and clothing. What helps her feel encouraged is knowing that people care, and that her son is okay.