[music]
>> EVA: I'm on disability. And, as you know, Toronto is extremely expensive to live in. And there are a lot of people that don't have housing and are in the situation that I was in.
[intertitle 1: Eva's recovery journey]
>> EVA: Cota came into my life when I was going down a very dark road. My husband passed away. And I began to use drugs heavily. Then I came on life support. I woke up from a coma after two and a half weeks. I realized then and there that this is a gift. And my life is very precious. I decided enough is enough, and I've been clean ever since.
[music]
[intertitle 2: Applying for Housing]
[intertitle 3: Eva lives with a lung disease and requires specific housing supports in order to be successful each day.]
>> EVA: Cota found me. I had applied for housing connections. 
>> JENNIFER: In regards to support, Noelia works on the housing part and me with the case management.
[music]
[intertitle  4: Micheala (Housing Coordinator) was successful and found a unit that matched Eva's needs.]
[intertitle 5: Eva was placed in a hotel while Cota cleaned, painted and prepared the new unit.]
>> EVA: Cota offered to paint the walls the colour that you wanted. Yes I got to pick out my colour. 
>> JENNIFER: And we ordered furniture for you.
>> EVA: Yes you did. 
>> JENNIFER: You got a super comfortable bed.
>> EVA: Yes, yes. Once I got my place, I've been so happy. I have my own place. You know I make jewellery. I do that as an outlet, an art. It keeps me busy, and I love it.
>> JENNIFER: It's beautiful.
>> EVA: Thanks.
>> JENNIFER: You're welcome.
[music]
[intertitle 5: continued support]
>> JENNIFER: Well we are here as case managers to help people with any area of their life. So anything in regards to health, mental health, stability, physical health. One thing we're working on is getting you a doctor.
>> EVA: Yes, I found one.
>> JENNIFER: Did you see her?
>> EVA: In Parkdale. Yes, I did. I now have a family doctor thanks to you. And now we're happy so, so we're all happy. Yayyyyyyy.
[music]
[intertitle 6: hope]
>> EVA: If I can tell anybody, just believe. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. And once you find that, you're going to be happy. You have to be happy within yourself. And I'm the happiest I've been in years. I think it's a blessing that Cota is able to do this for people. It's absolutely amazing. I don't know where I'd be without them, honest to goodness. I just love all the people who have helped me out at Cota. I love you too. 
[music]
[intertitle 7: Eva lives with her two dogs and will be having a double lung transplant in the near future]
>> EVA: And this is our home now, right?