Noel’s Journey Across Canada

In a rural community in the Northwest Territories, the pace of life is quiet.

With a population of just over 1,000 people, it is a place where neighbours know each other by name, where the days are shaped by routine, and where the landscape stretches wide and still. Each morning, Noel begins his day with a call to his family in Kenya before walking to work, passing the same familiar faces along the way.

It is a very different life from the one he first encountered when he arrived in Canada.

Noel landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport in October 2023. Alone in a new country, he took a taxi into the city, navigating an unfamiliar place with little sense of what would come next. That same day, he was referred to Sojourn House.

“I came from somewhere, but I landed in the middle of nowhere,” he recalls. “Finding someone who had open arms to embrace me was a defining moment.”

At Sojourn House, those open arms met him with immediate care. He received a place to rest, meals, clothing, and financial support. But more than anything, it was the guidance that made the difference.

“Someone takes the time to sit with you, tell you what you need, where to find it, and explore it with you,” he says. “When you go and do it, someone is there to listen. That was very defining.”

With that support, Noel began to find his footing. Back in Kenya, he had worked as an accountant. In Canada, he set his sights on continuing that path, navigating credential recognition and searching for opportunities in a highly competitive job market.

“The most important thing is to be ready to learn, and learn, and re-learn,” he says. “You have to learn how to live far away from your family, forget how things used to be, and learn a new way of doing things.”

When an opportunity came to work with the Territorial Government of the Northwest Territories, Noel made a bold decision. He accepted the position, relocating to work in financial administration and contract management.

With support from Sojourn House, including assistance with his first and last month’s rent and essential household items, he was able to make the transition and begin building his life in a new community once again.

Today, Noel is working, supporting his family, and continuing to pursue his CPA designation in Canada. It is a path that has not been without challenges, particularly in a remote community where access to education and exam centres can be limited, but he remains focused.

“I wanted to be an accountant from a young age,” he says. “And here I am now, with a fulfilling career.”

When asked what he is most proud of, his answer is simple.

“Being able to provide for my family.”

Noel’s journey is one of adaptability and determination. It is also a reflection of what is possible when the right support is in place at the right time.

At a critical moment, Sojourn House provided guidance, stability, and a pathway forward. Today, Noel is contributing his skills in a region of Canada where they are deeply needed, building a life that spans continents and connects communities.

His story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to rebuild, they move forward and help build what comes next.

Note: We have used a false name and a stock photo to protect the individual’s privacy.