Daniel Hillman has been a community fixture in Iqaluit for the last 25 years.

He began his life in Nunavut with what was intended to be a four-month contract working in a restaurant, his SA国际影视传媒渇irst loveSA国际影视传媒� being cooking. But SA国际影视传媒淚 was really in love with the city and population,SA国际影视传媒� so the former Quebec City resident remained in the North and took on various other jobs over the years in restaurants and as a taxi driver.

In addition, Hillman became intimately involved with giving his time to the local community, and in particular the francophone population in various capacities. From administrator of the local French association, to working for the GN and the French school board SA国际影视传媒� where a plaque recognizing his contribution was affixed to the buildingSA国际影视传媒檚 facade, as well as receiving the title SA国际影视传媒淔rancophone Personality of the YearSA国际影视传媒� in 2017. Hillman was consequently invited to be formally bestowed with the title and to address the legislative assembly.

Since then, however, his life took a difficult turn when he was forced to go on disability due to a leg injury, among other unforeseen hardships. It was then time for the same community who had enjoyed his support to support him in turn.

After becoming homeless and living in a tent for close to a year, Hillman finally got the news in December in what heSA国际影视传媒檚 calling a SA国际影视传媒淐hristmas miracleSA国际影视传媒� that he will finally be given housing, after being allowed to stay temporarily in IqaluitSA国际影视传媒檚 Capital Suites hotel.

Although Hillman feels extremely fortunate to have finally gained access to housing, it did not come easily.

SA国际影视传媒淪ince I was living in a tent,SA国际影视传媒� he says, SA国际影视传媒淚 was knocking on so many doors. I could be a JehovahSA国际影视传媒檚 Witness,SA国际影视传媒� he jokes.

The message of hope he wants to spread to his fellow Nunavummiut in similar situations is to persevere with government and social services.

SA国际影视传媒淲henever youSA国际影视传媒檙e knocking on doors, donSA国际影视传媒檛 give up, because then they forget about you. You have to be so persistent,SA国际影视传媒� he says.

SA国际影视传媒楾hey have compassionSA国际影视传媒�

Hillman sought help from support workers and doctors to attain the necessary letters of support and documentation for his case. Of the Department of Family Services, he says, SA国际影视传媒淭hey helped me so much. I wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 [have housing] without them. They [also] helped me find places to get warm, and helped when I was in the tent. They have compassion.SA国际影视传媒�

When he received the letter informing him of the GNSA国际影视传媒檚 decision on his case, he says, SA国际影视传媒淚 was dancing. I couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 wait to tell my partner SA国际影视传媒榥o more tent.SA国际影视传媒橲A国际影视传媒�

In addition to housing, Hillman is getting back on his feet, literally, after finding a part-time job.

SA国际影视传媒淚 like to be active in the community,SA国际影视传媒� he comments. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 going to try [to do that] again. ISA国际影视传媒檓 going to install myself [back in society], I donSA国际影视传媒檛 want to go back to my old life. I finally have a normal life.SA国际影视传媒�

Reflecting on his struggle with homelessness, Hillman says that it was very much some Inuit and people with not much to spare who went out of their way to help him in his time of need by bringing food and other supplies when he was down and out.

Again praising Family Services for providing temporary lodging at Capital Suites, he also says the staff at the hotel have been SA国际影视传媒渞eally good people. Kind, caring. The housekeeper makes sure I have everything [I need]. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 nice to have a warm place SA国际影视传媒� a break that Family Services gave to me.

SA国际影视传媒淪ome people in my situation, who are homeless, arenSA国际影视传媒檛 knocking on doors. But thatSA国际影视传媒檚 not the way. You need to remind [the authorities]. People need a warm place [to live],SA国际影视传媒� he remarks, emphasizing again that Nunavummiut are their own best advocates, and persistence in the face of adversity is the way to get what one needs.

Of his own good fortune, which has come to fruition through his ceaseless self-advocating and hard work, in addition to the kindness of others, Hillman says, SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 good to see something nice happening, the community coming together.SA国际影视传媒�