Leaving a Beautiful Footprint
Any references to Forward/Horizon Housing have been changed to Onward as a result of the merger of the two organizations.
Catherine has been living at Columbus Place just shy of a year. She found herself unable to afford her rent and on her search for affordable housing, found Onward.
When discussing her journey, she is brought to tears explaining how much she loves Columbus Place and how blessed she feels to call this building home.
A few years ago, Catherine had some medical complications and now relies on a feeding tube for nourishment. While she cannot eat solid food, she spends her days cooking meals for her neighbours who are in need and find themselves going hungry. Every day she cooks 8-10 meals and distributes them throughout Columbus Place.
Her neighbour directly above her is a man who recently exited homelessness and struggles to cook for himself. She brings him food daily. He calls her his angel. When asked what motivates her to do this, she says she doesn’t want to be limited by poverty. She feels that a person can always give of themselves, regardless of their financial position.
“Your footprint on this planet should be as beautiful as you can make it, for as long as you can make it,” she says. “I plan to keep leaving a beautiful footprint until I can no longer walk.”
Onward provides a safe haven for vulnerable Calgarians of all walks of life, such as Catherine, and the residents she cooks for.
There are over 3,000 Calgarians currently experiencing homelessness, and more than 14,000 households at extreme risk of becoming homeless. You can help make home a reality for individuals like Catherine and her neighbours by donating to Onward.
