Maria’s Story: Leaving a legacy of home

A stable home with access to supports and community care is vital for mental health recovery and resilience, and Legacy Donor Maria is a great example of this impact. After spending much of her early adult life struggling with her mental health, bouncing between jobs and hospital stays, what Maria needed most was a supportive and affordable place to live where she could find stability and build a life.

During one hospital stay in her late thirties, a social worker introduced Maria to Coast Mental Health, and she was able to move into the Hooper building in the West End, Coast’s first housing development (at the time named Sheraton Apartments). It was here that Maria met Jackie Hooper, the advocate and trailblazer whose dedication and persistence helped launch Coast’s supportive housing model. Jackie supported Maria in accessing the Disability Pension, an option Maria hadn’t known about before. With a safe place to call home, a stable income and the support of her family and the Coast team, Maria was able to build a life for herself.

Over the next three decades, Maria moved only twice between supportive housing sites, making connections and finding purpose in each new space. Over the years, with her housing and care in place, Maria was able to work as a part-time volunteer, pursue her lifelong passion for art, and be an active member in her church, all while finding ways to give back where she could. Through each step of her journey, Maria made connections with the staff and workers who supported her, building friendships and community across the Coast network of support.

In 2024 Maria moved into long-term care after nearly four decades with the teams across Coast facilities. Her time spent with Coast Mental Health was impactful for both Maria as well as the residents and staff who she considered family, with whom she deeply connected. Maria passed away in July of 2025, leaving behind a gift in her Will to Coast Mental Health Foundation. Her generous gift will help to provide a place to call home for others like Maria who are so deserving of that comfort and care, and for that we are so grateful.

You too can give the gift of secure and supportive housing for those living with mental illness in BC. Giving a gift in your Will to Coast Mental Health Foundation is easy and can have an incredible impact for people like Maria.

For more information on legacy giving, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meghan at meghan.boswell@coastmentalhealth.com or 604-785-1910.