When I moved into Regent Park in Toronto in 2016, I was filled with hope. The neighborhood had been described as “renewed,” free from its troubled past, and ready to welcome new residents like myself and my children. I was the first person to live in my unit—a clean slate, a fresh start.

But reality quickly reminded me that appearances can be deceiving. From the moment I settled in, life in Regent Park revealed challenges I could never have imagined. The loud, aggressive banging on the walls of my unit startled my one-month-old son out of his sleep, making him gasp for air in fright. Despite repeated calls to building management and security for help—and even leaving my newborn son to walk toward the noise and ask for it to be lowered—my concerns were met with silence. This lack of action left my family to face escalating harassment and disruptions on our own.

As time passed, the dangers became more severe. My older son endured terrifying threats, including one individual attempting to run him over with their car and, when unsuccessful, vowing to “shoot him” if given another chance. My younger son came home projecting vomit, shivering in the summer heat, his skin gray, refusing to speak, and with the tires of his stroller slashed. The trauma of these events was magnified by the indifference of authorities, who dismissed our claims and labeled us liars. Watching my children suffer in an environment meant to be safe and welcoming was heartbreaking.

To make matters worse, neighbors engaged in relentless bullying, harassment, and even stalking—going so far as to film my family without consent while we played at the park. The psychological toll of living under constant scrutiny and fear has left my family yearning for a better future—a safe haven far removed from these injustices.

Through it all, I’ve fought to protect my family, refusing to let adversity define us. My experiences in Regent Park have taught me the importance of resilience and the need to speak out against systemic failures. This blog is now a platform to share my story, shed light on the bullying and harassment we’ve faced, and advocate for change in communities like Regent Park.

To those who may find themselves in similar circumstances, know this: you are not alone. By sharing our voices and standing together, we can expose injustice, demand accountability, and create safer spaces for families. Join me on this journey as I work to transform hardship into hope and build a brighter future for my children.