Why a Maternity Home in Vancouver?

Women facing an unexpected pregnancy need a place to call home.

One of our pregnant clients from CPC Vancouver shared her story of how she was sleeping on a friend’s bedroom floor. This was a place where she was paying only a $100 per month, and a room not suitable for two women and a baby. Hear in her words what it meant to have a room during her pregnancy at our Burnaby Safe House.

Rebecca’s Story 

My girl and I were taken care of while we stayed in the house, accommodations, food, counselor…everything that normal house family should have. I had all the food I needed and could make my own meals. I had a nice private space and common area. I felt very comfortable and warm.

When I was around 7 months of pregnant, a doula came and taught how to prepare for the baby coming. After I gave birth, I had postpartum, and I didn’t know how to stop my baby girl from crying so much. The caregiver and house mother helped me.

My girl was the very first newborn I ever held.

On holidays like Christmas or New Year’s we had a party, big meal and open gifts together in the house. That made me feel like family and special. Sometimes the caregiver would even watch my baby for a short time if I had to run an errand or attend class.

I feel my daughter has been loved by everyone who took care of us. I graduated from college while I was staying at the house. My daughter crawled and learned how to walk around the house like this was her place. I had a roof on top of my head and comfy bed to sleep in for me and my daughter.

I felt safe. I felt at home. I had space for me and my girl.

In our fall newsletter, we included an article called A Place Called Home. If you haven’t read it, please do. It provides more details on the need for a home. Also read A Long Search and Opening Soon-Maternity Home for a full overview of our journey to opening a home for vulnerable, expectant mothers in Vancouver this September.

We are currently seeking individuals, families or groups that would like to assist us in setting up the maternity home. For more information on how you can support, please read Opening Soon-Maternity Home. And to make a donation, please click the link below.