After years of encampment living, a Saint John woman sees her life change at transition house

Deborah Ann Badeau listens to Country 94 radio in her small apartment. It’s been nearly a year since she moved into the transitional housing unit, after about six years living in a tent. 

For a long time, Badeau, 61, lived with an abusive partner in a relationship she says she got out of "with my life." Seven years ago, after being struck by a bus, she became homeless.

“Then I chose to go with a tent because it was a lot freer," she said. "I knew I was a tough little bird."

She said she knew she could handle it and during summers, she did. But her voice breaks when she talks about temperatures dropping and the moment when frontline workers told her she would be getting a home — a moment she says changed her “whole life”.

“Because I was losing all hope and was thinking about suicide," she said. "I didn’t think there's any point."

On hearing about the housing, she said, she started crying.

“I told them, I got nothing — no clothes, no blankets."

It didn't matter.

"I walk in and everything is right there."

Badeau was one of over 20 residents who started living at the Somerset ACRES site — a housing program that made 18 micro units out of five trailers — when it started operating.

The units are essentially small bachelor apartments, all with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and basic furniture and storage spaces. They also accomodate couples.

Run by the non-profit Fresh Start Services, the pilot project goal is to help people transition from encampment life to independent living.

Residents living at Somerset ACRES, which stands for Advancing community with respect, empowerment and support, pay 30 per cent of their income in rent.

Now in an accessible unit decorated with pictures and drawings, Badeau said projects like the small north end community are important to give hope to people facing homelessness.