Miguel's Story

It was in 2019, after just landing in Canada, that Miguel and his family were standing in the airport asking a transportation company if they knew of any nearby family shelters. “This was one of the hardest times of our lives,” explains Miguel. “The company called Rotholme Family Shelter and told them about our situation. Rotholme said we could stay there, and we were on the next bus to London,” Miguel explains.

Facing extreme culture shock and knowing very little English, Miguel, his wife, and their three children were comforted when they arrived at Rotholme and found that some of the staff spoke Spanish. “I can’t explain how important that was for our family,” Miguel reflects. “During a time where we were very lonely and vulnerable, unable to speak to most people because of the language barrier, having Spanish speaking staff at Rotholme was so helpful,” he says.

“When we had nothing, the staff at Rotholme were the ones who hugged us and told us everything would be okay. They are angels.”— Miguel
 

While at Rotholme, Miguel’s two-year-old child became sick. “This was during the pandemic,” Miguel explains. “Recognizing the urgent need for stability because of my son’s illness, Rotholme pushed very hard for us. They found us a home, and we’ve been housed ever since,” says Miguel.

Once housed, everything began falling into place, and Miguel and his family began to prosper. “My wife and I were both working,” says Miguel. “But I started making authentic Mexican food and selling it on the side.” First, Miguel made five kilograms of food to fulfill the orders. “Five turned to ten. Then, ten turned to twenty. Next thing I knew, I needed a bigger kitchen to keep up,” Miguel recalls.

Three years ago, Miguel opened his first restaurant. Then, last year, Miguel opened a second location. “Now, my wife and our two oldest children work for our family business,” says Miguel.

Today, Miguel says he is most proud of how united his family is. “When you are in need of shelter, it is always very hard. With hard work and caring people around you, you will be able to make it to the other side,” says Miguel.

“I want to thank the people at Rotholme. They really helped us a lot. All of them. Thank you,” Miguel concludes.