Pride on Wheels. Supportive Housing Resident Rolls into Action Keeping Property Pristine 

At 72 years of age, Mike, better known as “Wheels”, spends his days keeping Hope Living clean. But what he’s really doing is cultivating something more: Pride, Purpose, and a sense of Belonging” 

Every day since early spring, Wheels as he’s known, is up early and outside most days, cleaning the property around Hope Living, Shepherds of Good Hope’s largest supportive housing residence in Kanata. 

Cleaning up the Property 

Towering cedar hedges, dozens of trees, flower beds, sidewalks, grassy areas surround the residence, providing a peaceful oasis for the staff, residents, volunteers and visitors. 

Taming the vegetation and keeping the area neat and tidy has become a mission for Wheels. 

Despite being a double-leg amputees, he moves and works with a wiry strength, and seemingly limitless endurance. 

“I cannot sit around and do nothing,” says Wheels. “I don’t want to be down. I want to be UP, stay positive, and take care of this place. Seeing the finished product. It’s the same thing when you clean your room. I get enjoyment from cleaning.” 

“Every second or third day, I go around and collect cigarette butts. I have a little hand rake, a dust pan, broom, pails, a little spade.” 

People tell Mike they’ve never seen the place so clean. 

“My father taught me,” recalls Wheels. “If you’re going to do a job, do it right the first time.” 

Positive Thinking 

A self-confessed “bad-boy” when he was young, Wheels made a change in his outlook on life, and his perception of himself. 

“I always thought people didn’t like me,” he says. “Today it’s different. I do have down days, once in a while, but not very often. I began thinking positively, when I turned about forty years old.” 

Wheels looks younger than his 72 years. A middle child with one surviving younger sister, Wheels didn’t know much – if anything – about Shepherds of Good Hope and supportive housing. 

Wheels was living in an apartment but, after his second leg was amputated, it was getting more difficult to take care of himself. Through a caseworker, he found his way into Hope Living. 

“I didn’t know much about this place,” he says. “It’s better for me here. I get three meals. I can have a shower. It’s a better place for me to be.” 

Resilience and Attention to Detail 

During the winter, when there’s not much to do outside, Wheels stays busy, volunteering to clean the hallway floors from the top floor, down. 

“When visitors come here, I don’t want them to see this place dirty.” 

Wheels is unstoppable. “I never get stiff. I take breaks here and there. I stretch my back.” 

What keeps Wheels rolling? 

“I need to keep busy and have a positive attitude. If you think positively, you can do anything. If you put your mind to it.” 

Mike’s mind is focused on making his home and the home of his fellow residents and guests a better place to live. 

Thank you, Mike, and thank you Wheels!