When I joined the CERC in 1996 I was a single mum of one child fleeing domestic violence. My journey has been unbelievable. I have been grateful everyday that I was fortunate enough to become involved with the Common Equity Rental Housing Co-operative (CERC) and to have found a safe place to call home.
Becoming a member back in 1996 was totally different from the way you join the co-op today. You had to do a lot of training to understand how the CERC worked, what the different roles were, and how you could use your skills to help the co-op. It was quite rigid, but it was in a controlled and supported environment. This gave you the opportunity to learn and gain new skills for other life events as well.
All CERC’s played a major role in decision-making, it was a team effort.
Then in 2019 and along came COVID and this is when a lot more changes were needed. Some were good and some not so good, but they were changes that happened for co-ops in everyday life. We turned to using electronic means and connect by zoom to hold meetings.
It was hard on the older population, but we all had to use it to connect with our friends and families, so we just stuck at it, and learned as we went along. My husband and I got used to it in the end, it is something we now use regularly to connect with our community, family, and friends. It helped us get through lockdowns when we were unable to see anyone (in person) and manage co-op responsibilities.
I feel without being in the co-op I would not have had the friendships that have been forged with other co-ops. Being able to be involved on committees has given me a lot of confidence in myself. I have had nearly 21 years of being in a secure housing establishment which I would never have had prior to being a co-op member. Thankyou CEHL for your support over the years.
by Gayle Carley