Help us to House the Unhoused - know of a suite for rent?

Co-fundraisers Linda Fedun and Judy Collins Hale

UPDATE MAY 7, 2025

Somehow they survived the cold winter with donations of food and propane refills. And it was really tough on them.

We are actively advocating for them to find housing. They have been on the subsidized housing lists for a long time with no result.

What they need – Someone to step up and offer them a place to rent - a one-bedroom suite in Langford, Colwood or View Royal for maximum $1500 per month all inclusive, with immediate possession. Until that happens, they need to have continued food donations as they can't get much from the food bank without an address.

WHERE IT STARTED:

There is a couple currently living in a tent in Langford! There is no warming centre here.

This is how it happened:

Imagine your beloved Nana dies. Your boyfriend rents from his boss, but the house was sold, so you have no time or money for another place. He moves in temporarily and your landlord decides to evict you. Again, you have no time or money for another place, and you are grieving the loss of your Nana.

This is the start of how Sabrina and Colin end up unhoused.

To be in compliance with Langford Parks Bylaw, they are having to pack up and move their tent and belongings off the small greenspace 3 times a week. Bylaw officers and police attend to their location several times a week to ensure that they comply. They are only allowed to close 3 sides of the tent.

Here’s a little bit about them:

Sabrina was in a suite from 2018-2024 and paid approximately $750 per month. The landlord took the opportunity to evict her because Colin was staying there and wasn’t on the rental agreement.

Sabrina has several valid medical issues and is on a disability pension. Her doctor will not allow her to work, other than irregular volunteer work when she is feeling well enough on any given day. Between living outside in the cold and not being able to cook a proper diet, she has lost weight that she can’t afford to lose.

Colin was working as a floor layer and lost his job when his employer moved away with little notice. Without an address, he has not been able to find permanent work again.

With the funding that they currently receive, they can afford up to $1500 a month for rent, but that would be the maximum. Once they have an address, Colin can get a job and contribute to their rent and living expenses again.

There are other people that hang around them; drug users who steal from Sabrina and Colin to buy drugs, so they can’t even leave their belongings for 5 minutes in fear of losing everything.

This couple has been trying to survive every day and deal with the addicted and desperate people around them. Sabrina and Colin are not drug users. They really need to get out of this terrible situation and with a hand up they will be able to.

A group of us have been providing propane for their fire pit and Coleman stove and heater. They use at least 1 tank a day in this cold weather, and none of the other people contribute. They receive food donations that are picked up by volunteers from the various grocery stands around the community as well as essentials that are purchased as needed.

We are a generous community and have so much to be grateful for. Let’s do everything we can to show compassion towards this couple and give them a chance at a normal life again. Every dollar counts towards our goal.

So many people are just one pay cheque away from being unhoused.

Some Cold Weather Exposure Information

What will happen if a person is exposed to cold temperatures for long periods?

Exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, causing unclear thinking and inhibiting body movement.

What organs does the cold affect?

So, although many of us think the health risks of cold are confined to hypothermia, the reality is that many more people will die of heart and lung problems due to cold weather.

What are the symptoms of extreme cold stress?

Moderate and severe symptoms: loss of coordination; • inability to stand up; • dilated pupils; • confusion; • slurred speech; • slow heart rate or breathing; • loss of consciousness; and • death.

Let's not have this happen to someone in our own community. Let's give them a fighting chance and an opportunity at a new lease on life. Thank you. <3