Help Maureen's family out of financial strife

A vulnerable family is out tens of thousands of dollars because a corporation claimed bankruptcy and left them in the lurch. They need to finish their backyard tiny home as soon as possible so that their family member can move in. And you can help.

Maureen and Cheryl are a disabled couple in Guelph, and this situation has left them financially overwhelmed and emotionally and mentally devastated. They need community support to help them out of this That’s where you come in.

If you know Maureen and Cheryl, you know that they are incredibly community-minded, environmentally-aware and deeply caring people. That's why they decided to donate their backyard so that a close family member could have built a tiny home on the property so that they can support one another and not have to struggle alone with housing insecurity and health issues.

They did their due diligence, researching and working to find a good company who would complete the build start to finish. They found what they thought was a great, local company. This company took 80% of the money, most of which came from Maureen’s close family member, for a complete build which was never delivered. They also disassembled the fence and shed which were to re-assembled; however that was never completed and parts of the shed are missing.

Not only did they not finish the build before the company declared bankruptcy. Now Maureen and her family are left with an unfinished tiny home, unpaid contractors, massive expenses, property damage including leaks and water damage requiring that both the floor and insulation be replaced, their family waiting to move in, and their money lost.

They have taken steps to get their money back and have the company responsible held accountable. Unfortunately, there is no legal recourse since the company declared bankruptcy.

Maureen, her wife and her family members who are affected by this are all disabled to the extent that they can't work. They've borrowed what money they can to top up the savings that Maureen’s family had remaining for the project and now need additional support. If they can't get this tiny home finished, their family will continue to suffer from housing insecurity, compounded by health issues and financial difficulties. Additionally the tiny home was supposed to double as a temporary safe home for Maureen so when the City does upcoming road and infrastructure work right outside her home Maureen can switch spots with her family member temporarily and prevent worsening her multiple disabilities.

That's why they need our help. Together, we can help pay for the end of this build, and ensure that Maureen and her family are finally able to rest easy together.

We've started the fundraiser at $10,000 but they need more like $50,000. They are doing everything they can to secure private loans, and other funding but this might not work. That's why we're starting at $10k, but may increase it as the campaign goes on.