While Indwell offers permanent housing to tenants, Ashley eventually decided to move out in order to have complete independence. She recently thanked Indwell for helping her achieve this goal. Here is her story in her own words: 

I was born and raised in St. Thomas, and I had a difficult upbringing that left me surrounded by drugs, alcohol, addiction, poverty, and abuse. This carried on for most of my life and made it pretty easy to not love myself. I had a difficult time.  

I lived a simple life and was a functioning member of society for a long time. I was in a common law relationship. I had a son and a home that I lived in for almost eight years. During that time, I had a major breakup, which led me into addiction and also led to criminal activity. I was led into homelessness after an abusive relationship that I had gotten into. 

Once I was on the street, I tried to ask people for help, but it wasn’t working. Unfortunately, things got worse. Before Indwell, I had been offered housing three times, but I couldn’t get the paperwork done. I wasn’t able to get a place. It was overwhelming and discouraging to be told “no” so many times. I can’t tell you how many times I paid rent and ended up getting kicked out the next day. It made it really difficult to trust people, because I had essentially had my money stolen. It is hard to trust anyone, when you’ve been let down so many times.  

In the moment of exhaustion and desperation, I tried to end my own life. This was after living homeless and hopeless for years. That takes a toll on you. Thankfully, I was unsuccessful, or I wouldn’t be here today.  

This was around the time that I was told I was getting a place at Indwell’s Railway City Lofts. That was enough to give me hope. I was nervous that this was just another false promise, and I wasn’t sure I could even trust it. But, I was brave and I had nothing to lose. It took a lot of courage for me to walk through the doors and see the place, but I did it, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  

During my time at Railway City Lofts I got back on my feet and worked with staff towards my goals. I did so well that I was able to “graduate” to step two and move to The Station. I was proud of myself. This was a big step for me. At The Station I continued to work with staff and learn more independence, so I could be ready to move out on my own.  

I am proud to say that I recently moved out on my own, and I feel like this is finally my stop and my home for awhile. Indwell has helped me to get stability. It has allowed me to reconnect with my son, get medical help, get medicated and settled. It was also a space that allowed me to get off opiates and never look back. Since being housed at Indwell I was able to finish off all my [criminal] charges, and I am proud to say that I haven’t been in jail for almost six years.  

Since moving into Indwell, my emotions are completely different. I started to have hope again, and I feel like there is actually a bright future for me. For a long time, the only future I thought I might see was dark. Indwell allowed me to regain my dignity, gain more empathy and learn to love myself again.  

I tell everyone that Indwell is amazing and a great stepping stone. When you move in, you just have to take it slow. It was hard and awkward at first, but it was worth it in the end. The staff are there for whatever you need and will support you with anything they can to move you forward. You just have to trust them.  

[Taking that first step of courage] to me means a lot happier life, and it means that I can look ahead and breathe easier now. It means putting in the work and leaving room for improvement. I don’t think there are any obstacles in my way now that can prevent me from being successful.  

I just want to say thank you to Indwell for everything you have helped me with.