Heather's Healing Home

"As a nurse, I dedicate my life to healing others. The EBC Homes Program gave me a peaceful place to recharge so I can continue caring for my patients."

Caring for Others, Struggling for Herself

Heather worked as a registered nurse in the ICU, often pulling 12-hour shifts caring for critically ill patients. Despite her essential role and decent salary, she struggled to find affordable housing near the hospital, often commuting over an hour each way.

"After a 12-hour shift dealing with life-and-death situations, the last thing I wanted was a long commute home. I was exhausted and couldn't give my best to my patients or myself."

Healthcare Worker Priority

During the pandemic, the hospital partnered with the EBC Homes Program to provide priority housing assistance for healthcare workers. Heather was among the first nurses to benefit from the emergency housing initiative.

"The program recognized that healthcare workers needed stable housing close to work, especially during the pandemic. They fast-tracked my application and understood the urgency of my situation."

Close to Care

Through the program, Heather secured a two-bedroom condo just 15 minutes from the hospital. The shorter commute gave her more time to rest between shifts and maintain her physical and mental health.

"Having a peaceful home so close to work transformed my life. I could go home for lunch breaks, get proper rest between shifts, and even volunteer for extra shifts when the unit was short-staffed."

Continuing to Heal

Today, Heather has been promoted to charge nurse and is pursuing her nurse practitioner degree. Her stable housing situation has allowed her to focus on career advancement while maintaining her commitment to patient care.

"This program didn't just give me a place to live – it gave me the foundation to excel in my career. When healthcare workers have stable housing, we can focus on what we do best: taking care of people."