Jay's Story

I started working at Quintin Warner House in 2022. I'm a Cook's Helper, and I love what I do. I love cooking.

I was a participant before I started at Quintin Warner House in the kitchen. I was homeless for two years, and I was lost. I was in active addiction until I spent six months at a detox facility. They let me stay there until I was able to get a spot in the Quintin Warner House addiction treatment program.

I was so nervous on my first day at Quintin Warner House. It felt like walking into a classroom for the first time and being the new kid at school. I remember half the house was quarantined because of COVID-19, and there were only four of us that weren’t. As the guys came out of quarantine, I got to meet them.

The staff at Quintin Warner House were very helpful. They helped me get set up and deal with my trauma. The counsellors worked with me to piece my life back together, and they gave me the tools to do that.

Waking up and going to the gym every morning was so good for me, I remember that. Being with like-minded people also helped. Even though everyone’s different, we all had the same issues and really, we are the same.

It’s about the brotherhood, that’s what’s special to me. I’m still friends with those guys to this day.

Once I completed the four-month, live-in program, I went to the aftercare program and stayed at the Quintin Warner House annex for eleven months. During those eleven months, the position opened up at Quintin Warner House for the Cook’s Helper, and I applied. I got the job.

I wanted to work at Quintin Warner House because I wanted to give back to the program and to Mission Services of London, in general. By working in the kitchen, I get to meet the new guys that come in to the program and have relationships with them.

During my eleven months in the aftercare program at the Quintin Warner House annex, I continued talking with staff and the counsellors. I don’t need to use anymore because I feel like I’ve dealt with the things I needed to. I have a really good life now. It’s because of my hard work, but also because certain counsellors believed in me and continue assisting me when I need it.

I’m proud of my place. I have a really nice place. I’m proud that I have someone who loves me. And, I’m proud that 'm maintaining sobriety.

I’m sharing my story because it’s important to know that everyone comes from different walks of life. Addiction and homelessness can happen to anybody. It has no bounds. By sharing my story, maybe it will encourage other people to share their story as well.

To anyone who’s currently in the position I was, I want you to know that you’re never alone. There’s always somebody there if you just reach out and get the help. The help is there. You just have to take that step.