My family lived in a hotel for a year. I wish people understood homelessness isn’t a choice

I am Terri Singer, a mother of three living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our journey from a stable, four-bedroom home in Truro to homelessness was a tumultuous one that left us feeling lost and hopeless. When we received the eviction notice in August 2023, it was as if our world came crashing down around us.

As a single income family, the housing crisis made it nearly impossible for us to find a new home. Rental prices were out of reach, and many landlords were hesitant to rent to us due to having children and pets. The looming eviction day felt like a cruel joke, and when it finally arrived, the finality of it all hit us like a ton of bricks.

We found ourselves living in a cramped hotel room, trying to make the best of a difficult situation. Our grocery bill tripled, and the lack of a kitchen made simple meals a challenge. The emotional toll on our family was immense, with our children yearning for a sense of normalcy and stability.

After months of searching, we made the difficult decision to relocate to Halifax in hopes of finding more resources. Living with extended family was a temporary solution, but we knew we needed to find a place of our own. The search for housing was daunting, with limited options and skyrocketing prices.

Eventually, we were offered a lifeline in the form of supportive housing in January 2025. Moving into a four-bedroom apartment was a breath of fresh air, giving each of my children the space and stability they desperately needed. The difference in their well-being was immediate, and for the first time in a long time, we felt a sense of hope and relief.

Our journey through homelessness taught us the importance of empathy and understanding. Housing is a basic human right, and no one should have to face the stigma and judgment that comes with being homeless. We are grateful for the opportunity to rebuild our lives and provide our children with a place they can truly call home.

While the trauma of our experience still lingers, we are grateful for the support we have received and the opportunity to start anew. Our story is a reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone, and it is crucial to offer compassion and support to those in need. Our journey may have been filled with challenges, but it has also shown us the resilience and strength that lies within our family.