I am in crisis and fearful of becoming homeless.

Hello my friends, this fiercely independent business woman is asking for help please. I am very fearful right now. I went into shock when I received some news last night. My body still does not feel normal and my mind is so jumbled with fear.

I have had a VERY difficult year. I am experiencing chronic pain from a spinal injury. It is located at the base of my neck. Due to that fact, it is very difficult for me to think clearly. I get migraines almost daily now. I have had xrays and it does show that I have Retrolisthesis.

https://www.spineinfo.com/conditions/spondylolisthesis/retrolisthesis-definition-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatments/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNTic1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExU2ZoSjFKeTJrNG9GcVBIAR5K6keHflBqXIO9jsP0SiTpsFZdPMQ8bNAGivQProi8A66d2SYDjQMLGTD22A_aem_0l8h64OS8O_uqfmSvOKcWw

I have to wait six months to get a MRI or two weeks if I can pay for the test myself. My doctor quoted me $700.

I have lost my ability to work to bring in a steady income due to the pain but also due to the American tariffs. I can no longer ship to the US which is where my customers are located. I have been an artist and small business owner for about 30 years. And then the icing on the cake is the Canada Postal strike. I have now lost most of my savings due to being unable to work.

I have put away my stubborn pride and signed up for social assistance. That brings in barely enough just for rent.

Last night, I was given notice to move out November 30th. I went into instant shock. I have never felt this level of fear before. I am supposed to be resting so my spine can heal. How I am expected to move myself at such short notice, with no income and while I am in very poor health? I am hoping I can find a shared accommodation with another woman. The picture you see here is Chloe the cat, who has been my best friend for ten years. I am scared I won’t be able to find a home that will include her. She is my family.

Your financial gift will help pay moving expenses, damage deposit if I can find a place to live, food, care for my Chloe, etc etc. I am extremely overwhelmed. I panicked last night and started having some very dark thoughts. But I am a bit better with that today.

I am in a serious mess and scared of ending up on the streets. I just cannot imagine surviving that kind of hell.

Much love to you all. I will do everything I can to get myself through this. I am reaching out to programs with the BC Government for a social worker who can walk me through everything.

Jacqueline Parkes