Mark’s Story
“I never thought I would have a chance to have what I have here,” says Mark Cullain.
Mark has been growing tomatoes in the garden behind his home at Onward’s Crossroads Court building this summer. Last year, Mark didn’t have his own home and most definitely did not have a place to garden.
The 66-year-old lived in Calgary’s northeast for five years until his landlord “very suddenly” sold the house he had been living in. The landlord promised to build a suite for Mark, so Mark decided to couch surf with friends in Vancouver and Revelstoke until it was ready. As the construction of the suite dragged on, Mark realized he wasn’t going to be living there any time soon, so he moved in with his sister in Calgary.
“I finally went to the Kerby Centre where they helped me complete half a dozen housing applications,” he says. “I had some phone interviews that were positive, but every organization had a waiting list. I was fortunate that my priority score was fairly high because I was technically homeless, though not living on the street.”
A few months later, he received a call from Onward that there was a space for him at Crossroads Court.
“I am so happy here. I have a southwest-facing apartment with a view of downtown, overlooking a church. They keep the building incredibly clean and well maintained. I get along with pretty much everybody, and the best part is I’m able to have a dog.”
Mark recently adopted Micky, a one-and-a-half-year-old Bichon Frise who is “cute as a button” and great company for Mark.
“I really appreciate so much that pets are permitted here. When I saw the notice that dogs were going to be allowed, I was so excited. Micky not only brings joy to me, he brings joy to everyone in the building. They all stop for a scratch or a pet when they see him.”
Mark says living at Crossroads Court has been an incredibly positive experience for him – one he did not expect when he was without a home of his own.
“I have no complaints at all, it’s been absolutely wonderful,” he says. “I have lucked into one of the best circumstances possible, being able to live with one of the best organizations out there. Everything is so good.
“I wish everybody could have a place like this one.”
