Daniel’s Long Road Home

I try to make every day as happy as I can. I wake up appreciating everything around me.” Does that sound like someone who lived in a river valley ravine for seven years and has had his second leg removed? That’s part of the long road Daniel travelled to get to Balwin Place and wellness. Surprisingly, the road started with 911.

Daniel lost his machinist job after 911 when US companies cancelled contracts with Canadian firms. Unemployment led to heavy drinking and that led to seven years living in a tent in an Edmonton ravine.

The turning point came when two young men approached Daniel’s tent and, unwell after a rough night, he knew he couldn’t defend himself. They were from Pathways though, gave him a card and asked him to follow up. Daniel did and says, “they have never let me down.”

Pathways helped Daniel arrange funding and an apartment. Life was good and getting better until a disease claimed his right leg. With an artificial leg he could manage his apartment. Sadly, the left leg also had to be removed. As his building had no elevator, Daniel lost his home as well as his mobility.

Daniel has high praise for the services that collaborated to help him meet this new challenge: Mustard Seed, Pathways, GSS. During his five-month hospital stay, a team set up his new apartment at Balwin Place, complete with a drive-in shower. When Daniel was released, his new home was ready.

Daniel has been at Balwin Place for over a year now. It’s been an exceptional year. His health is stable, he is no longer in constant pain, and he has community: “People come over and talk and joke... I just like to see people do better. I call them my friends. We respect each other and I appreciate that a lot.” Appreciation is a big part of Daniel’s life and a valuable gift he shares generously.