EDMONTON – After spending a decade living on the streets, 43-year-old Kenzie Green finally has a place to call home, thanks in part to a new transitional housing project just north of MacEwan University.
“In 1998 I lost my way, made some bad choices,” Green said. “It was a rough go… Addictions are a real problem, you kind of lose your way really fast, you get lost. And with that, you find yourself in a spot that you don’t really want to be in and at that point you’re making the wrong choices over and over. And it’s a spiralling circle, a vicious cycle. And the years go by and a lot of people don’t make it.”
Green shared his personal story of his battle with addiction and homelessness at the official opening of Hope Mission’s Green Manor Friday morning. The supportive living environment helps those who have graduated from Hope Mission’s addiction recovery programs transition into society, find employment and become a part of the community.
“It’s safe, secure, and I’m very grateful to have a facility like this. It’s a blessing,” Green said. “I have a great view, I get to watch my Oiler games, I’m a big Oilers fan. So, you know, it’s more than I could ever ask for and hope for.”
“We wanted it to make people feel as good as they should coming out of a tough circumstance, so when they come home it feels like a real home,” added Devin Komarniski, communications coordinator with Hope Mission.
But the completion of the $10.4 million project, located at 106th Ave. and 107th St., didn’t come without some controversy.
“Obviously, concerns from the community at first. But after we got started and started building those relationships and constructing this building, those concerns started to drop away,” Komarniski explained.
“This is a great example of how the system can work well,” added Mayor-Elect Don Iveson.
“These places are powerfully positive. And those are the kinds of people who are living in these units and turning their lives around. So Edmontonians need to be a bit less afraid of that.”
Forty-six people have moved into the 52-unit building since it opened in July. Tenants are required to pay rent; a one bedroom suite is $500 per month, a bachelor suite is $450 per month.
Green moved into his unit about three months ago and says while he’s still got some work to do, he’s well on his way to recovery.
“Places like this make the difference, truly; and the people that are involved in the community that work with people with addictions or mental health issues. It’s a great help,” he explained. “People need a second chance. Sometimes they need a third chance… It’s a long road to recovery, but if you keep working on it you can actually have a good life. It’s not easy, trust me. But it’s worth it if you keep trying.”
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News.