
At Orca Place, many of our residents face the challenge of stigma and negative stereotypes due to the common misconceptions surrounding supportive housing. However, Kasey and Tyra, two of our residents, have taken the initiative to make a difference. They had the idea of taking art tiles, created by Orca staff and clients during a theme month around connection, and making them into a puzzle. Their idea emerged during one of our Art Heals workshops, a component of our Lifeskills program, that allows clients to express themselves creatively in ways they may not be able to through words alone.
Tyra, who has experienced firsthand the prejudice that often accompanies living in supportive housing, explains, “I wanted to create something that would generate public interest and show the community what we’ve done with our time here—that we are creative and productive members of society. There are so many stereotypes in the community. I’ve been yelled at, I’ve been called names.”
The stigma surrounding supportive housing can be overwhelming, and Tyra is determined to challenge these negative perceptions. “I want to do something about it, to change the narrative,” she says. “I want to show that I’m not a bad person. I’ve just been through hard times.” She continues, “We all need a place to feel safe, and we have that at Orca Place—a room where we can go, close the door, and take our time to heal from the traumatic events that have shaped our lives. It could happen to anyone.”
Kasey adds that “often people only hear part of the story. They don’t get the whole picture. We’re going to try to get the word out for sure.”
Tyra, who spent over two and a half years living on the streets and enduring the theft of her belongings, describes moving into Orca Place as a crucial turning point. “It was such a big step for me,” she says. “I could finally take a break from the stresses of living on the street. Slowly, I began to rediscover who I am, and I’ve started to blossom.” She credits Kasey with being a positive influence in her life, particularly with her uplifting energy and her passion for art.
Tyra and Kasey are both incredibly excited about the puzzle. The puzzle is now available for purchase, and they hope it will help spread awareness and reduce the stigma many residents face. “We thought creating a puzzle was a great idea because it’s something we all did together—clients and staff alike. There are so many brilliant artists in this building,” Tyra says with passion.
The theme of the puzzle, “putting the pieces back together,” reflects how many residents at Orca Place feel about their experience there. For them, Orca Place represents a safe space where they can heal and slowly move forward—step by step, piece by piece.
Both Tyra and Kasey hope that the puzzle will not only generate public interest but also challenge the misconceptions surrounding supportive housing. As Tyra puts it, “We wanted to do something positive to inform the community about all the good things happening at Orca Place, how we use our time here, and how we’re productive members of society. We want people to see that many of us are creative and that this place—Orca Place—has allowed us to heal and move forward.”
By purchasing this puzzle, you are supporting programs that provide resources to over 300 people daily. The puzzle, which contains 504 pieces and measures 16×20 inches, is available for purchase on our website at www.islandcrisiscaresociety.ca/shop
This initiative not only highlights the incredible talent within the Orca Place community but also serves as a powerful tool in combating stigma, offering a platform for residents to share their stories and show the public the many positive ways in which they are rebuilding their lives.