Christmas Fund: Don fell through the cracks and fell into a long depression.

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In late 2019, Don began to show signs of depression.

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He was having difficulty finding work, so he applied for social assistance, but was told they did not consider him eligible. The lack of funds made him even more anxious. Then the pandemic hit and Don found himself without money or purpose.

“I really fell into difficult times,” he said. “I didn’t have enough to support myself and I had nowhere to turn.”

Don has no siblings and his parents are long dead. He said he was spiraling during last winter’s lockdown and could feel a nervous breakdown coming. After contacting a local organization, My Brother’s Keeper, Don began to get back on track. Not only did they provide him with a place where he could share his pent-up feelings, but they also helped him with budgeting and meal planning. Don said eating nutritious meals on a tight budget helped as much as the mental health counseling he received.

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After two years of darkness, Don looks to his future with renewed optimism.

“A saying I’ve learned is, ‘Happiness isn’t where you are, it’s who you are,’” he said.

While the onset of the pandemic sent him into a depression, Don said he feels better emotionally equipped to handle whatever life throws at him now.

After paying his bills and rent, Don said he lives on about $ 200 a month, but will soon start receiving his federal pension. Although it won’t be much, it should provide some breathing room.

“When you don’t have money, you don’t feel normal,” Don said. “I fell through the cracks. What I look forward to the most is to feel welcome in society again ”.

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