We are a family of 3 – Mom, adult daughter, 3 year-old grandson in Vancouver Canada. The landlord was granted an order of possession Primary File Number 91013268x and We were evicted on December 15 at 1 pm. because our November rent was late even though it was paid but past the 10 days. For 2 years we paid regularly but the arbitrator said that doesn’t matter and he sided with the landlord. It makes sense that he doesn’t care but what came next makes me so sad and triples my stress.
Our friend “movers” bailed the day before and said
I work in the DTES community of Vancouver for a housing agency. You’d think they’ll help, but NOPE. “There’s no housing, sorry can’t help.” “But how are you, can you work extra shifts”. They don’t seem to have any idea that when you’re under the stress of no place to live and have to lug around the clothes and items you need, it’s hard AF. Friends are disappearing. It’s like we have a rare disease.
We spent our last money on cabs and Ubers, storage, and the cheapest hotel we could find. We are not averse to staying at a shelter, but they’re full. We keep calling every day to different shelters (splitting up is easier to get a shelter space) but it’s not guaranteed. My daughter is looking into sugar daddy sites today. We’re not judgmental, to each their own but that’s not the life she’s looking for.
My daughter went to see a Housing advocate at the women’s center downtown and they’re helping with her a BC Housing application but yesterday she seriously asked my daughter what she’s going to do. WTF
We’ve been searching for housing but its so expensive and we’re out of cash. I work, but I don’t get paid until Friday and I don’t make enough to pay for a hotel room food, and a damage deposit. She’s on assistance and goes to school but doesn’t get her money until Wednesday. Combined it’s not enough because we’re out of time. She’s missing school until we figure something out. I’ve taken holiday days but I’m expected back at work Monday morning.
Christmas is 8 days away.
If it was just the two of us we could suffer on the street, but not with the boy.
Any money we receive will go to food and the boys’ needs (his name is Ezra but he refers to himself in third person, so cute), and temporary shelter so we can lower the intense stress and think properly. Then we will save our cheques and look for a place to rent on January 1 (fingers crossed) unless a BC housing place opens.
Please know that your donation, no matter how small, can create a significant impact in our lives. We appreciate your support!” It sucks that we have to turn to strangers, but if you can help we would greatly appreciate it and will pay it forward…I promise!
We’re losing hope in humanity and the stress is killing our spirits. It breaks my heart because I’ve always believed you can never lose hope, and I thought it would never happen to me.