The Isenberg Family

My husband and I are 77 years old and can't make ends meet. We live on our government pensions. Once we pay our monthly expenses, including rent, we don't have enough for food or necessities like toilet paper etc. We signed up with the Barrie Food Bank, which only lets us get food once per month.

Then in January 2025 our son informed us that he and his girlfriend could no longer afford their rent so that they had to give up their apartment. He has been actively looking for a job but to no avail and his girlfriend works in retail where her hours were cut significantly. Knowing that she has no family to help them, we invited them to come and live with us. So he, his girlfriend and our 4 grandchildren moved into our 2 bedroom apartment. We weren't in a financial position to help them so we did the next best thing we offered them a roof over their head.

They went to Barrie Simcoe Housing for help but were told that there was a 7-8 year wait list. They tried Salvation Army but they weren't able to help them. What little money his girlfriend earns barely helps us with the cost of food. Having a 22 month old grandchild and the other 3 being 4, 6 and 8 they go through 3 bags of milk a day.

They don't have enough money to cover the 1st and last month's rent. The rent is about $2,500 per month. Since my son isn't working and she only gets a few hours per week, no one will rent to them.

We are in a dilemma and looking to our friends and family for some financial help.

Any assistance that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.