Gerry found CASA online after she lost her job and her apartment and moved in with family. “I lost everything I had,” she remembers. “I was in a bad situation.” She’s lived in her CASA apartment for a year and a half – and it hasn’t always been easy. She has faced challenges, not the least of which was a positive cornavirus test during the first few months of the pandemic.
“There’s been a lot of support from CASA,” she says. “They brought me groceries during COVID, they have supported me with various resources, and it made my life a whole lot easier.”
Luckily, Gerry didn’t get really sick with the virus and was back on her feet fairly quickly. She’s been able to save money for the first time in a long time: “The last place I had, I had tons of bills and I no longer have that anymore. I have been able to actually save for an emergency if I have to have one. I’m actually able to save and I appreciate it.”
“I worry less than I did,” she says. “Sometimes I don’t make a lot of money at all. It’s been good to know that I have the security of this place no matter what my income is…I can afford it, I can afford it without worry. So that’s been comforting.”
Gerry is quick to smile and laugh, especially when she remembers moving into her apartment. “When I moved in here I was happy!” she laughs. “God, I was happy! I didn’t have my own place and I’m 52 years old. All my life I’ve been on my own, since I was a teenager, but this was the first time I didn’t have my own place. But this is my house. I can do whatever I want. I’m very safe here. The neighbors are kind. And I know you’ll be there.”
Watch a video featuring Gerry!
