A Safe Recovery Home for My Daughter’s Surgery

My daughter and grandson are currently homeless in Ottawa after falling victim to a housing scam and losing their rental deposit to a company that refused her application — just days before she is scheduled for surgery.

She was moving to Ottawa from Smiths Falls to prepare for school this fall, and after weeks of searching for a home, she fell into not one but two heartbreaking rental situations.

The first was a scam — the “owner” demanded a deposit before she could even view the home. When I investigated, I discovered they weren’t listed on the property title. Thankfully, she hadn’t sent the money yet, but it delayed her search significantly.

She soon found another apartment and, after seeing it in person, felt hopeful again. The company required a full month’s rent upfront to even process her application, promising to refund it if she wasn’t approved. But after four days of silence, they suddenly declined her with no explanation — and no immediate refund. Instead, they told her the money (critical to her ability to rent anywhere else) would take 7–10 business days to return.

With no home to return to and new tenants moving into her old place, she had no choice but to pack everything into a moving van and head to Ottawa. She put her belongings into storage and paid for a hotel for herself and her child.

Now they are in a devastating limbo — unable to afford a new place without the deposit refund, unable to return home, and facing growing emergency costs.

And there’s more.

My daughter is scheduled for surgery this Tuesday, May 6th. She’ll need several weeks to recover, and will be on a restricted diet and unable to lift or move heavy items — yet she has no home to recover in and no support to move once she does find one.

We are reaching out to our extended network of family and friends to ask for help covering:

• A new rent deposit and first month’s rent

• Help with moving costs once housing is secured

• Support for recovery and groceries after surgery

• Care and comfort for her and her son during this incredibly vulnerable time

Every dollar helps — and even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.