Two Day Centre cooks share their experience of life on the streets

Karine, who went by the nickname “Schtroumpfette” when she was living on the streets, found refuge at Dans la rue after leaving home at age of 13. Meeting Pops in 1990 marked a turning point in her life: she discovered a place where she could not only feed herself, but also find the comfort and support she desperately needed. Inspired by the altruistic spirit of Pops, Karine found meaning in working for Dans la rue, emotionally declaring: “Pops was like a father to me. I’m keeping what he did alive. I think he’d be really proud to see me here.”

Karine met and fell in love with someone who would be instrumental in helping her get clean and back on track. She overcame her addiction and gave birth to her first daughter in 2000. That reality changed her life. This year marks the 24th anniversary of her sobriety. Her job in the Day Center cafeteria goes beyond work: “I never wanted a job so much in my entire life! There I was, a former street kid myself, on the other side of the counter at the cafeteria. I really feel like I’m where I belong here. It’s great being able to help out these young people, just like Pops helped me out when I needed it.”

Megan grew up in British Columbia. The first time she ran away from home, she was 14 years old. The next year, she followed a friend of hers all the way to Quebec. By the time she was 16, she decided to stay put.

For the next six years, her housing situation would remain unstable. She would often come to the Day Centre for a meal. The counsellors helped her with the paperwork she needed to live in Quebec. At the Day Centre, she always felt safe. It was a place she could turn for advice and referrals to other services.

The head cook then encouraged her to enrol in a professional cooking program and get her high school credits. After several restaurant stints in Montreal, she came back to the Day Centre where she is now a full-time cook. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s working toward her BA in Human Relations at Concordia University, majoring in community development.

Megan emphasizes: “Getting off the streets takes stability and a community you can rely on for support. For me, that community is Dans la rue.”