Hello, my name is Sarah Arlidge(Russ) and I have a nine year old son Samuel. My story is long, but here it goes.
In 2018 my husband passed away suddenly. I was left with three young children. Then in February 2020 there was a house fire in the middle of the night. My youngest (Samuel, 4 at the time) was able to get out pretty much unscathed. I went back in multiple times to get my other two children. I was only able to get my Benjamin (5). My Charlotte (7) I just couldn't get to. Benjamin's little body couldn't take it and he passed away 8 days later. My Charlotte died of smoke inhalation.
I have suffered burns 85-95% body surface. I was in foothills hospital for 18 months, then transferred to the hospital here in Fort St John for two more months. December 2021 I lost my right leg due to infection and complications from the fire. When I was in the hospital in Calgary both my feet turned inwards. They did an experimental surgery to correct them. Both came undone and got horribly infected. I lost my left leg May of 2023. I have struggled on my own, legitimately on my own, since I got out of the hospital. I have severe mobility issues and limitations now because of all of this.
My current situation is not so great. After having severe problems with neighbors at my apartment, and the property company not listening, it was a mutual agreement that I would leave. After looking diligently daily, filling out applications and making phone calls, I could not for the life of me find a place for my son and I. I got denied by multiple property management companies due to bad credit, also there is nothing I can seem to find that is wheelchair accessible. All the places that are, I was denied due to my credit.
Speaking of that, after the fire, all my bills and utilities went to collections. I was in the hospital for 20 months, in a coma for six and bedridden unable to care for myself for another nine, so I was unable to deal with all of my bills and utilities. I have been trying to get that situated but I'm only on disability and Child Tax, which is barely enough to get by.
After having a move out date, and not being able to find a home I am essentially homeless.
I am currently working with agencies that are helping me with BC housing, etc. but those can take weeks if not months. With nowhere else to go I had to move in with my parents. The big issue with that is they live in a smaller mobile home that is far from being wheelchair friendly or accessible. There are stairs I have to go up and down anytime I want to come or go, and my prosthetic legs are incredibly uncomfortable and very painful to use. I have no choice but to endure if I have to go to appointments or outings. The doorways are too small for my wheelchair so I'm unable to use the bathroom or get into any other rooms. I am currently using bowls and water to clean myself and a commode. One bedroom that we are using has the door taken off but there is a lip and it is severely hard and painful to get through that door. Both my parents are disabled themselves so they don't need the extra stress of me and my issues.
The reason why am I starting this GoFundMe is I absolutely need to go to a hotel. Just until I can find a proper place that is wheelchair accessible for my son and I. My current living situation is FAR from ideal. Where I am is not healthy for my disabilities and limitations and a hotel would be able to make it safer healthier and less stress and pain-free until I can find a place for my son and I. Disability will not help, as I am given the maximum amount for shelter. I do have some money to put towards a hotel room, but most cost $2500 and up, and that's a little less than what I get every month.
EVERY cent I may get will go directly to securing a hotel and if any money is left, it will go towards a proper home for my son and I. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you everyone for any kindness you may show from both myself and my son Samuel!