Finally, a Place to Call Home

After more than two years of temporary accommodations, Hilda has found a place to settle and the freedom to imagine what comes next.

Hilda loves her new neighbourhood. It’s quiet, close to work and, best of all, she finally has a place where she can enjoy a little privacy. After more than two years of moving between temporary accommodations, having a home of her own feels pretty extraordinary.

When Hilda arrived in Canada from South Africa in June 2024, she brought 15 years of experience working in healthcare and big plans for her future. But before she could begin building the life she imagined, she needed somewhere to live. Over the following months, she moved between shelters and temporary hotels, adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings while trying to find her footing in Toronto.

In April 2025, Hilda arrived at Sojourn House, where she found a more stable place to stay and support navigating life in a new country. “As soon as I got to Sojourn, things started falling into place,” she recalls.

And Hilda had plenty of plans. “I’m a go-getter,” she says.

Building a Future, One Step at a Time

Having worked in a dialysis unit in South Africa, Hilda knew she wanted to continue caring for people. With a more stable place to stay, she could focus on building on that experience in Canada. She completed a personal support worker program and found employment, taking important steps toward her long-term goal of becoming a registered nurse.

Now she’s preparing to begin a new position at a Toronto hospital, an opportunity she’s especially excited about. “I’ve been dreaming of working in a hospital,” she says.

Hilda has always been someone who thinks about the bigger picture. “I don’t believe in short term progress,” she explains. “If I start something, I want to go further for like 10 years.” Her new role is another step toward the career she’s working to build.

Making a House a Home

In October 2026, Hilda and her family moved into their own apartment. She loves the quiet neighbourhood, the proximity to work and the privacy of having a space that’s entirely theirs. After so many moves, it’s a welcome change to finally be able to settle in.

But getting the keys was only part of the journey. When Hilda and her family moved in, they didn’t have furniture and slept on the floor while saving up to buy what they needed. Like many people establishing a household from scratch, they faced the added expense of furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies and other everyday necessities, alongside rent and utilities.

For Hilda, having a home of her own means enjoying everyday life with her family while continuing to pursue her ambitions. Beyond becoming a registered nurse, she dreams of one day opening a centre to support children and mothers who need additional care.

“Whatever you’re going through now doesn’t determine your future,” she says.

It’s a philosophy that has carried Hilda through considerable change. Today, she has a place to call home, a new professional opportunity on the horizon, and plenty of plans for what comes next.

Help Make a New Beginning Feel Like Home

For refugee claimants like Hilda, moving into a home of their own is an incredible milestone, but settling in comes with new challenges and expenses. Through our Room to Begin Again holiday campaign, we’re inviting our community to help Sojourn House provide practical assistance, essential services and compassionate support as people build their lives in Canada.

This holiday season, would you consider making a gift of $25, $75 or any amount meaningful to you? Your generosity supports Sojourn House’s programs and services wherever the need is greatest.

Note: Stock photo used to protect participant privacy.