As we look out our windows and stroll through our neighbourhoods, there are signs of spring everywhere. The sunshine on our faces feels warmer, birds chirp as the sun rises, and crocuses and daffodils lead the charge of early season blooms. As the earth awakens from the hibernation of winter, our eyes begin to re-open to the beauty of the world. But alongside the loveliness, there are also signs of struggle and need that we can see right in front of us.
There are approximately 235,000 people experiencing homelessness in Canada each year and many more who are falling through the cracks in our health care system as they struggle with mental health issues, disabilities, and life-limiting poverty. At Saint Elizabeth Foundation we offer charitable programs that promote health equity and support end-of-life journeys for people most in need – those that are often overlooked and ignored. Our signature program, Journey Home Hospice, cares specifically for patients experiencing homelessness and structural vulnerabilities – offering them a caring home for their final days and weeks. Volunteers are a key part of our interdisciplinary team, offering the companionship, kindness, and personal touches that transform a space into a home.
Giving patients the gift of feeling at home, safe, and seen resonates deeply with our volunteer, Patrick. His story reminds us that, no matter the season of life we find ourselves in, we are all deserving of respect and kindness.
“It’s a privilege to volunteer at Journey Home Hospice and spending time with our patients in their last days and hours is a great honour,” said Patrick. “For a place that many people associate with death, there is so much life here. You come to learn about people through the conversations you have and stories you hear about their lives that are no different than any of us. I’ve had a patient tell me about being a founding member of a punk rock band in the UK, another who received a PhD and taught as a professor, even one resident who had written books about working as a travelling salesperson. Having these simple conversations forms meaningful, genuine connections.”
Patrick says a common thread all volunteers at the hospice recognize is there is a sense of family that comes from listening to patient stories and building bonds of trust.
“All the patients we care for are great people, life just took them in an unfortunate direction. It reminds us of the fragility of life.”
Our Foundation is proud to have a specialized interdisciplinary team, including volunteers like Patrick, that supports our patients and their loved ones as they journey through end-of-life. We offer a variety of programs and services such as complementary art and music therapies; virtual national spiritual care; our Reflection Room® a peaceful, dedicated space where people can think, talk, and write about their experiences with death, dying, grief, and loss; a Canada-wide Let’s Chat volunteer phone call program to decrease social isolation; Indigenous healthcare provider education and community support; investment into hospice palliative care for people who are experiencing homelessness and structural vulnerabilities and much more.
With rising income disparity and many of our neighbours living paycheque to paycheque, now more than ever, each dollar you generously invest into care for Canadians will bring Hope and Happiness to people in need across the country. From our Foundation family to yours, we thank you for your continued support!