Published in June 2021
Sarah Guttin – works the afternoon shift at UA
UA has provided an opportunity for many individuals that were considered ‘too problematic’ for shelter, couples that were forced to be apart, and furry friends to all have a place to call home. While there are still rules, like don’t set fires in the building, keep the hallways and stairwells clutter free, the individuals staying at UA get the chance to make this space their own. There is no one telling them they have too many belongings, they can decorate their rooms however they want, they can leave the light on all night without having to worry about keeping someone else up, they can keep it as messy or as clean as they want, it is theirs.
During COVID, many people have felt the effects of isolation. None more than this community; where public spaces and services they frequented have closed their doors…. At UA, residents no longer need to choose between sleeping inside or staying with their animals.
UA has allowed many of its folks this feeling of unconditional love as well. If you walk the halls of UA, you’ll be sure to be greeted with a meow from Griswald or see Spitfire darting by. Just be careful when you head to the 4th floor as you might trip over the friendliest long-haired black cat you’ve ever met that is waiting for belly rubs. Hang out on the main floor and it’s almost a guarantee that Buddy and his wagging tail will make his way over for a quick pet before he plays fetch outside.
You might not know it, but behind many of the doors are more cats and dogs, hamsters, bunnies, and even a few guinea pigs. Seeing the pride the folks at UA take in not only caring for but showing off their animals, never ceases to bring a smile to my face. Even those that don’t have pets of their own seem to reap the benefit of having them around. When someone is unwell or in hospital, there is never a short supply of folks willing to step up and offering to help watch over these family members until they get back.
By welcoming these four-legged friends into UA, it has created a space that feels more like home and not just housing.
Jay Straus – UA Project Lead
This is hard work. That is the first thing I say to individuals that join in our work here at UA. It’s not to scare them. I tell them this because the next thing I introduce is the concept of looking for beauty.
What I have learned working at UA is that you need to be at your best to work in this space. It can be hard as you receive the trauma of the folks that we work beside. This can burn you out quickly if you are drawn only to the issues, the outbursts, the incidents. These situations can’t be ignored though. The tool that I have found handy is to constantly remind myself to look for the small moments of beauty. These moments cannot be forced, although you can be a part of it. The only way we can see these is by being present in the everyday.
These moments can be celebrating an achievement with someone that lives here. Witnessing an act of kindness. My favourite was receiving an apology for property damage caused during a rough period they were going through. An apology that I didn’t seek out. It came to me out of concern that our relationship was strained.
Without continuing to look for these moments of beauty, this work can’t be done. It’s hard work, but so worth it.
