Community Stories: Meet Robert
NHA likes to tell stories of our residents' success! However a huge part of our model is respecting the anonymity of all of our residents. In this series, we'll keep telling those stories but we will at times change names and remove details that could point to a particular individual (dependent on each person's preferences and comfort).
We hope you'll find these stories demonstrate our commitment to serving individuals and families with dignity - wherever they're at.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
If we’re starting from the very beginning, I was born in England, raised in Markham, ON (1998-2007), and grew up in Calgary (2007-now). I’ve been a resident at Riley Park Place since August 2018, about a year before Norfolk Housing took over the building. When I moved in, I was a student at the University of Calgary studying Chemical Engineering, and I loved the convenience of being a stone’s-throw away from downtown where my extracurriculars are, while also being 20 mins door-to-door from my classes by train. I’m currently working as an assistant project manager for a midstream oil and gas company, and I’m working up to my Professional Engineering designation.
Outside of work, I’m a trombone player with the Calgary Stampede Band of Outriders, which is an adult amateur band that entertains the crowds dozens of times during the stampede, and is also mostly comprised of alumni of the Calgary Stampede Showband, a multi-world-champion marching band for youth aged 16-21. As an alumni myself, I’m very proud to be continuing in the marching arts community through the Band of Outriders. I’m also playing in the pit orchestra of Front Row Centre’s upcoming production of Kinky Boots (shameless plug: the show runs June 4th to 24th , check out FrontRowCentre.ca)!
How did you find out about Norfolk Housing and why did you choose to live here? How long have you lived with us?
I found out about Norfolk Housing when they bought and began operating Riley Park Place, and I’ve been here since August 2018. I really enjoy living in a Norfolk Housing unit; Norfolk is comprised of some very caring and compassionate folks, and they’re invested in engaging and improving the community (the upgrades to the building since Norfolk’s takeover have been truly brilliant).
Has living in a diverse, inclusive community had an impact on your life and if so, would you describe it?
Having Norfolk Housing as my landlord has been quite impactful. As I alluded to above, the caring and compassionate manner in which Norfolk Housing operates is super refreshing and quite a relief. I don’t ever have to worry about my landlord jacking my rent rate through the ceiling, or that maintenance issues will go unnoticed. Norfolk Housing (and the lovely folks who run the show) have been incredibly accommodating and responsive, and I know that if I ever had an issue regarding my housing that they would be a partner in the process of resolution, which drastically lowers any stress I have about housing.
What’s one thing you wish people understood about housing (or community housing, if that’s easier)?
I wish housing was treated more as an essential service rather than an investment or profitable opportunity. People need places to live.
It’s been proven time and time again that when folks are well housed, they have many more opportunities to improve their health and wellness, which in turn allows them to be active participants in our society and economy. When folks are burdened by high prices of living, they are often losing out on many other fronts that impact their wellbeing.
To boil it down, I suppose I would say I wish people understood that housing is fundamental to wellness, and wellness is fundamental to happiness and productivity as a participant in community and society, not just as someone who happens to live around here.
(We 💙 you, Robert! Thank you for this well spoken and impactful answer)
Do you have a favourite spot in the neighbourhood?
I really enjoy hanging out in Kensington, visiting all the local boutiques and coffee shops, stopping in for a pint of local brew at Free House, or some BBQ at Hayden Block. I love that the neighbourhood has a really local, welcoming atmosphere; it’s a great place to hang out and catch up with friends new and old.
What’s your superpower?
I’d say my superpower is my adaptability. Through my volunteering in the community and at events, at work, and as a performer, I’m frequently thrown curveballs and asked to accommodate last minute changes and I’m always able to fly by the seat of my pants and figure roll with the waves.