Hello my name is Elizabeth Manson. I am a single mother with 3 children.

I am reaching out for help after my family experienced a terrifying and life-changing fire on Boxing Day, which has since left us homeless. Around 3:00 AM a fire broke out at the Nanaimo Motel located at 736 Nicol Street where we were staying. The fire was growing in size extremely quickly. With no time to spare, my family had to evacuate the building into the cold barefoot, with nothing but the clothes we were sleeping in.

Thankfully everyone made it out alive, but several suffered smoke inhalation, including my family and I, who have respiratory issues. It has been over 2 months, and we are still dealing with the effects of the fire.

Recently, I was faced with a medical emergency threatening my life. Three weeks were spent fighting for my life on life support at Nanaimo Intensive Care Unit, with another two weeks recovering on 5th floor.

This put me in the position of being unable to work temporarily as a Registered Care Aide and I am left with less income at the moment. It did not narrow my search to only subsidized housing. I am able to pay up to $2500.

I have searched rentals and applied, viewed and been turned down as a result of the housing crisis. Every rental I have viewed, there are 15-20 other families that have viewed/applied.

The rentals that are available are too expensive for me and my family. I am desperate to secure a home for my family.

I can now return to work. My daughter can start college March 30th 2026, without the worry of the unknown / unreliabity due to current living situations at the hotel. We lack sleep due to everyone having different schedules (Mill workers are here).

I do not have a stove top, only microwaves, which barely work. My boys deserve to live happily and safe in the comfort of their own home. I long to say "let's go home or I'll be home to cook dinner shortly.”

I am at a loss. When the fire first happened, I did not start a GoFundMe because I was told by numerous people not to worry that my children and I would be taken care of and secure a home and was assured that we were a top priority.

Our family was struggling before the fire to find a home. This fire has left us with less. The fire took everything we had with us, our Clothing, Prescription glasses, Personal Belongings, Toys, Photos & small things that made our space feel like home.

Now we are trying to rebuild our lives from nothing and secure a home while helping my children cope with the trauma of the fire and losing everything so suddenly.

Our family vehicle was parked at the back of the buliding where the T4 engine was. There was a lot of debris and from the structure fire which resulted in flat tires. My family and I received gently used clothing and 3 bikes. We have a storage unit to secure, but it is expensive.

A GoFundMe was started for all of the Value Lodge Fire Victims that raised $15,173 and was divided between all 36-40 fire victims. My family recieved a total of $405 which we are very grateful and appreciative.

This is very hard for me to do, but I am reaching out to our community for support during this difficult time.

• Donations will go toward securing: Housing, Storage, Prescription Eye Glasses x3, Clothing and Food.

Any support no matter the amount would mean the world to us. If you are unable to donate you can still help by sharing our story. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support as our family tries to recover and rebuild after this devastating fire.

https://cheknews.ca/its-terrifying-nanaimo-mom-who-saved-dozens-in-fire-now-faces-homelessness-1309552/

https://cheknews.ca/shes-a-hero-nanaimo-mom-rescues-neighbours-from-motel-fire-1296780/

https://cheknews.ca/they-lost-their-home-support-grows-for-victims-of-nanaimo-motel-fire-1296843/

https://Motel fire in Nanaimo, B.C., displaces residents, sends 7 to hospital | CBC News https://share.google/Jz5fSYb7afEeV0kRp

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/seven-people-taken-to-hospital-after-nanaimo-motel-fire-11671720

https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2025/12/26/extensive-damage-several-to-hospital-from-south-nanaimo-motel-fire/

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/12/29/cause-nanaimo-hotel-fire-still-under-investigation-closed-indefinitely/

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/residents-of-fire-ravaged-nanaimo-motel-considering-options-as-donations-pour-in-11687121

https://www.gofundme.com/f/fire-residents-of-value-lodge https://youtu.be/VRMeHHLkoqU?si=8TKLL1LUUNpHHtFN

https://youtu.be/VRMeHHLkoqU?si=8TKLL1LUUNpHHtFN

https://youtu.be/rpLmHLzqTjU?si=NY0m3WR_OqByIzsr

https://youtu.be/DGTUiuR48SY?si=uITuzZrG4IYZ3paN