On May 7, Ayesha Hasaan joined us along with 50 other participants for our YWCA Keep A Roof Over Their Heads® fundraising event, where participants spend one night on a cot in our Winter Emergency Response program shelter to experience homelessness. Ayesha used the experience as a Toastmasters speech topic and has graciously let us share her words, (edited for length) below:

I started my day on the morning of May 7th with nervous realization that I won’t be coming back to home after work.

A coworker dropped me at the YWCA shelter at 5:30 p.m. I had the opportunity to socialize with many wonderful people [in the intake lineup]. I introduced myself; I spoke about my work and my family. I later wondered what it would be like to stand amid strangers and maybe not have pride in my work or sense of belonging to a family; how would I introduce myself then?

It happened to be a beautiful day, but I also wondered how it would be, to be standing in a queue to get into the shelter, on the coldest night in Calgary.

At 6:30 p.m., I went through security check and my bag was searched. I was then interviewed [by a YWCA staff member] and I was asked where I slept last. I realized the importance of this question and what a blessing it is to have a roof over my head.

Supper was served: soups and sandwiches. Even though I ate to my heart’s content, I was not satisfied, but for most women living in the shelter this may be the only warm meal of the day.

After dinner, the YWCA hosted a beautiful program with remarkable stories. I learned so many things about homeless people: how families may be forced to live apart as there are separate shelters for men and women, and that homelessness can happen to anyone.

We were introduced to a woman in a video, who had been homeless for a long time. She wanted to help other homeless women with her message – “Whether you are eight or eighty, the streets are not safe.” She was diagnosed with a terminal illness that took her life. Days before her passing, the YWCA was able to help her find a home. She died with dignity, surrounded by people who loved her. This story brought tears to my eyes and inspired me. I could feel the soul of this beautiful woman and I wanted to hug her.

Later, I got a chance to look at the wall murals – comments, scribbles and drawings by some homeless women who stayed in the shelter. Looking at them, I could see belief, faith, hope, hurt, betrayal, frustration, depression, sadness, loneliness, freedom, beauty, gratitude and escape. It was the human side of homelessness that I have never seen before.

Finally it was time to sleep. It was very uncomfortable to lie down on cots beside fifty strangers. Some snored, some coughed and some walked around. Each time there was a movement or a sound, it would echo. It got really cold; I had to put my jacket on and pull my hood over my face to block the light.

When I finally managed to sleep, it was morning already. My job started at 10 a.m. but I had to leave at 6 a.m. I really had nowhere to go and I wanted to sleep more. Now I know why some people sleep on public transit or on the bench in the park because I felt like doing the same.

After a tired, restless day, I went home. I was full of gratitude for my warm meals, comfortable bed and loving family. I am full of empathy for a person who does not have this.

I no longer judge, I only understand. I thank YWCA for such a great opportunity. I felt like I connected with the homeless women; I can feel their pain. Their story is my story now.