Today, we speak with Sophie, one of our future residents at Les Voisin.es du Canal. With inflation and the housing crisis, Sophie, who is retired, was at risk of becoming homeless at the end of her lease. Thanks to the Voisin.es du Canal project, Sophie will soon have access to one of our 35 permanent housing units.
Sophie shares the journey that led her to this moment, just a few weeks before receiving the keys to her new apartment.
S : I started by applying for a housing subsidy through the housing office and also submitted an application here at Logifem. What really appealed to me about this project was that it’s designed for women in precarious situations. I consider myself fragile—I have a personality disorder, I’ve been a victim of violence in my life, and I’m still dealing with the aftermath. I really identified with this target group.”
How do you feel about living in a community with other women who have also faced difficult pasts?
S: I welcome it in a positive way; it’s an opportunity to truly be yourself among others. In fact, during the first interview—when Hélène [Logifem’s community organizer for the Voisin.es du Canal project] told me, ‘Be honest, you’re in a safe space,’—I was close to tears. A safe space is something you don’t know when you’re fragile and have experienced violence. This sense of community addresses the need to create a safe space for vulnerable women.
This community aspect is also what drew me to this project. There’s a genuine desire to build a community, to get to know one another, to do things together. It’s about human connection; it’s about caring. It’s really about nurturing relationships so that everyone feels happy and safe.
What does housing security mean to you?
S: It means everything! I can’t believe how much rent has increased—it’s ridiculous! And now that I’m retired, I have an extremely limited income, so there’s absolutely no way I could afford a place in the current market. In July, if it weren’t for Logifem, I don’t know what I would have done. This kind of insecurity is something so many people are experiencing right now, and I think it’s having a significant impact on our society’s mental health. The thought that you might soon not have a roof over your head because you can’t afford it—it doesn’t exactly bring peace of mind. It’s as basic as that. Thanks to this project, I’m avoiding that. It’s truly a gift from above. It means everything.
Sophie will be moving in later this month. Now retired, she is embracing this new phase of her life with open arms. Sophie is eager to make the most of this period and this oasis of peace, support, and creativity to work on her personal and artistic projects.
