Annie Ray, supported by the Social Inclusion Program, still remembers the day she first turned the key to her own apartment door nine years ago. It was more than just an apartment—it was the start of a dream she had been building quietly for years. Back then, she lived in Stanley, New Brunswick, close to her mom, who helped her get to her activities, grocery shop, and plan her days. Annie was grateful, but she also knew deep down that she wanted something more. She wanted independence, routine, and choice. She wanted to build a life that was truly her own.
For a while, that first apartment in Stanley gave her what she needed. But as time went on, and as she grew more confident living independently, she felt something shifting. Fredericton kept calling her. It was where her activities were, where her programs were located, where there were more things to do, and places to explore. It was where she could picture herself living more fully. Her mom, who had always supported her, was getting older and Annie knew it was time to take another step forward.
Two years ago, she did just that.
She moved into a bright, cozy main-floor apartment in Fredericton. It had plenty of windows, and it felt different than anywhere she had lived before. It felt like home.
Now, Annie wakes up each morning at her own place. She wakes up, pours herself a cup of coffee, and makes breakfast. She washes her dishes, tidies up, and gets ready for the day. With support from home care workers, she keeps her apartment clean, does laundry, plans meals, and heads out for groceries—where she proudly uses the self-checkout, a skill she’s mastered since moving. She even completed a cooking program this summer and graduated—read more on this here: https://www.inclusionnb.ca/building-independence-through-cooking-a-community-partnership/
Her days are full in the best ways. On Fridays, she goes to Porter’s Diner, a routine she looks forward to each week. She knows exactly what she’ll order at Tim Hortons—cheese croissant and dragon fruit lemonade. A&W is for wraps and sweet potato fries. She visits the Grant Harvey walking track, plays bocce ball, and has taken Zumba classes at the YMCA. Wednesday afternoons are special—they’re for the Spirit Project, where she connects, participates, and shines. And one of her biggest highlights this year was being part of a stage performance called Magic Beans at The Playhouse.
Life in Fredericton has given Annie more than just independence—it has given her community, confidence, and possibility.
And now, she’s getting a roommate.
Her new roommate, Alyssa, will be starting her second year at NBCC. Annie is excited not just to share the space, but to share life—to have someone to play games with, talk to, and spend everyday moments with. After years of living alone, she’s looking forward to having companionship and connection.
On National Housing Day, Annie’s journey reminds us that housing is more than a place to live. Inclusive housing helped Annie build community.
Because when housing is truly inclusive, it doesn’t just provide shelter.
It provides safety, affordability, accessibility, close to important activities, amenities, and services, and is welcoming to all.