What was your journey to Canada like?
It was a sudden plan. Fast, without money. We didn’t know anything about shelter, we didn’t know we could ask for it, we didn’t know where we were going to live, so we didn’t have anything, nothing.
How did you find out about RH?
We came not knowing where we would sleep. We were given a number to call and ask for shelter. They took us to a Hotel, where we stayed for a month. It was really hard, we didn’t have a kitchen and it was filled with pests. The guy who had helped us told us about Romero House, that they could help us find a cheap place to stay and a lawyer to handle our case.
How was that year living at RH?
It was all very familiar, I felt it that way. They take you in from the very beginning, they support you with everything. It was really beautiful to witness the community aspect of Romero, where everyone looks out for each other. Our companion was Rafa, he helped us a lot, and was always there if we needed anything. I remember the dinners, I have always loved cooking, especially for people I care about. I always made sure to bring something and help out others, always. My children loved Kids Club, we even stayed friends with Marisol. Karen always gave us advice when we needed it. Mary Jo, Francesca, Sarah, they all supported us during that year. And it’s beautiful to have that community.
How was this transition for your kids?
When we first moved, Gael was 3 years old, Alexander was 9, Maria Jose was 10, and Jesus Adrian was 11. Back in Mexico I didn’t have much family, only my grandparents. They raised me, and we were neighbours, so my children would always be with them, always. It was really hard leaving them behind. My three younger kids still talk about going back to Mexico, but the oldest now says he wants to stay here.
Is there a particular memory that comes to mind when you think about Romero House?
The camps. We have been twice, the first year as residents, and the next one as volunteers. We ended up organizing Club Romero [an evening party after the kids go to bed] for the adults. It was really fun, we made friends with other residents, who even though we had met before it wasn’t until camp that we were really in contact. And new residents, we build a beautiful friendship. We recently hosted a dinner at my place and invited everyone over, it feels like they will be long-lasting friendships. Going to camp as guests was great, but I think being a volunteer was more fulfilling because, at the same time that we got to spend time with others, we were also helping out.
What would you like to happen in the upcoming years? What are some dreams or goals for your family?
There are so many things that at the beginning seemed impossible. We wanted to get a car, which we were able to this year. We wanted to get a house, and now we are building our credit to make it happen. Moving forward? I want my kids to study whatever they’re passionate about, I want to finish my cosmetology license, maybe set up a business or find a job in the field. And if that doesn’t work, I will study something else. My husband wants to get his plumbing license. Basically, we want to be settled, calm.
How do you think Romero impacted your journey of building life in Canada?
I think Romero was practically the basis for everything. The basis for my children going to school, to know where to go to the doctor, to know that I could study here too. They guide you through the first stage, and give you everything you need so you can do it for yourself later. Maybe if we hadn’t had such a solid foundation, maybe we wouldn’t have what we have now, or progressing how I would like to be. I don’t want to just stay and wait for others to help me. I want to grow, and keep learning, and for my kids to grow and be on their own. So, Romero was the foundation, and I don’t really have the words to express myself fully, but I definitely think it is the basis to everything we have achieved until now.
