Bev Forrest is 73 years old and a longtime member of the Collingwood community. She is currently living in a 10x10 shed on her own property.

In 2019, Bev Forrest lost her husband.

In the years that followed, she faced challenges no one could have predicted.

In 2022, Bev became one of more than 200 older Ontarians identified by police as victims in a province-wide mortgage fraud investigation known as Project Nettle. Police have publicly reported that this scheme involved fraudulent door-to-door agreements and high-interest mortgages that left many elderly homeowners in financial peril.

In 2023, a detective came to Bev’s home to inform her that a second mortgage had been registered against her property without her knowledge. Like many victims reported in the media, Bev had unknowingly become entangled in a complex and devastating financial situation.

Bev immediately retained a lawyer and has been fighting a civil case ever since. After three years, she has already incurred approximately $35,000 in legal fees, and there is currently no clear timeline for resolution.

Then in March 2024, tragedy struck again. Bev’s home caught fire. The house now has significant structural damage and is unlivable.

Because there is a lien registered on the property and ongoing civil litigation, Bev cannot simply sell the property and move on.

She continues to make payments on her first mortgage while living in temporary conditions.

Where Bev Is Living Now

Thanks to incredible local generosity, community members helped build a small 10x10 wooden structure on her property so she would have shelter.

Inside, she has:

• A bed

• A small heater

• A hot plate

• Her beloved pet bunny

There is no plumbing.

She walks to a nearby laundromat to use the washroom.

She showers at a friend’s house every other day.

She pays her neighbor $100/month to use electricity.

She receives a modest fixed income through CPP, Old Age Security, and GIS. However, after mortgage payments, property taxes, and basic expenses, she has very little left — often less than $100 per month. She relies on local food drives and church support for meals.

She has explored housing supports, but many available options do not allow pets, and her bunny is her primary source of comfort and companionship during this incredibly difficult time.

Bev is 73 years old.

She has survived two winters in this structure. She does not want to endure a third.

Why We’re Raising $50,000

The goal of this fundraiser is to provide Bev with stability and options while her legal case continues.

Funds raised will go directly to Bev and will be used for:

• Ongoing legal fees related to her civil case

• Securing rental housing for next winter

• Basic living stability while her case works through the courts

$50,000 may sound like a large number.

But if:

• 1,000 people gave $50

• or 500 people gave $100

We would reach the goal.

Small contributions add up quickly. Any amount helps.

About the Legal Situation

Project Nettle is an active criminal investigation, and multiple individuals have been charged. However, criminal proceedings can take years and do not automatically resolve civil mortgage disputes.

Bev’s civil case is ongoing. There is no clear timeline for resolution.

This fundraiser is not about legal judgment. It is about ensuring that Bev has safe, stable housing while the legal process unfolds.

If You Can’t Donate – Please Share

You may not be able to give financially.

That’s okay.

Sharing this page could make all the difference.

Post it to your Instagram story.

Share it on Facebook.

Text it to a friend.

Email it to your workplace.

One share reaches dozens.

A few hundred shares could change her life.

Want to make sharing even easier? Here are some simple caption templates you can copy and paste.

Bev is resilient. She is kind. She is fighting. She has done everything she can to fight her legal battle and maintain her dignity.

Now she needs her community.

Let’s make sure a 73-year-old woman doesn’t spend another winter in a shed.

All funds raised will go directly to Bev Forrest to support her legal fees and housing stability.

Updates will be shared as appropriate.