People who live in the Downtown Eastside have many demons such as drug addiction, housing crises, job issues and many others. Julian, like many others who live in the DTES has had some struggles to overcome. By far, the biggest struggle was his battle with addiction. When he finally saw that viewing his life and the world around him through the veil of drugs was not what he wanted, Julian chose to kick the habit. He works at it every single day. He knows it only takes a moment to slide back in. One thing that helped Julian turn his life around was his education. He kept at it, studied hard, and earned his Master’s Degree in Biology. He is super excited to work in his chosen field soon. Life is much better now - colors are brighter, people are friendlier, and Julian can see himself making a difference in not only his world, but in the world around him as well.

Hopefully, Julian’s story touched a piece of your heart. It is not unique, but it does stand out as a success story. Julian was able to set a goal and find a way to make it happen. He had many barriers to overcome: addiction, funding, stable housing, and feeding himself were just a few., but he was able to find resources to help himself with each of these obstacles.

Having a goal is a great way to move forward in your life. Just selecting a goal and making a plan to achieve it can launch you into an entirely new space, new mental state, new circumstances and new people.

What do you do when you have a goal? How do you keep your eye on the prize? Is it easier or more successful for you to do it on your own or with others? While not everyone needs a cheering section, peer support can be a very powerful motivator. Just having a team of people pulling for you and offering words of encouragement can mean the difference between success and failure.

Do you know anyone in a similar circumstance to Julian? If so, let them know there are resources out there to help them get on their feet. There are counselors, shelters, food banks, and folks that will help them get prepared for an interview. Whether they need a haircut, a new set of interview clothes, or to just talk to someone, there are people available to help.

FOR SHELTER:

RainCity Housing is a line of support for people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver. It provides emergency shelters and supports for people experiencing mental illness, addictions, trauma and other challenges in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Contact Info:

604.662.7023

www.raincityhousing.org

info@raincityhousing.org

616 Powell Street

FOR MEALS:

The Dugout provides free daily meals and an inclusive safe space. Go in and enjoy a complimentary snack and a coffee and get away from a feeling of isolation.

Contact Info:

604.685.5239

www.thedugout.org

info@thedugout.org

59 Powell Street

Hours: 7:30am - 4pm Monday to Saturday

7:30am - 3pm Sunday

"people with goals succeed because they know where they're going"

Earl Nightingale

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#fromavisittothebarber #goal #education #biology #Raincityhousing #thedugout