S.O.S. Janïsa

Dear Family, Friends, Community,

We are asking for your help and support.

Last Thursday September 8th, 2022, Janisa received a concern call from her neighbour because of smoke from her eldest son’s room. Upon arriving at the triplex on Davenport, not only smoke but blazing flames engulfed the entirety of the bedroom, and the family lost their home of thirteen years. Fortunately, she and her two sons were not home during the fire and are safe, but the fire has devastated this beautiful family. While some things could be salvaged, most items, if not entirely burned, have been damaged by smoke.

Janisa has lived in the triplex for 13 years with her two boys despite issues of disrepair over the years. As anyone residing in Toronto knows, housing can often be difficult and expensive. Even still, they made a home here, and the space has been a consistent home for most of the boys’ lives. A space where family and friends often gathered to share in celebrations and meals. It is heartbreaking, not just the loss of the physical space but also the instability of such an abrupt rupture in what is sacred, their home.

Earlier this year, Janisa and the other tenants received an unlawful eviction notice for renovation for August 2022. However, everyone could remain as the landlord had provided inaccurate eviction documentation.

This GoFundMe is intended to raise funds and help Janisa and her boys find a new space and rebuild their home. The funds we hope to raise will be in addition to the limited rental insurance that is yet to be available. The funds will help to cover rent and utilities for the next six months, any expenses needed to replace personal items such as clothing for herself and the boys, and equipment used for her two businesses, all lost in the fire. An additional expense to an already stressful experience is the need for legal support to deal with the Landlord at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Janisa will need to replace all the furniture, beds, linens, kitchen supplies, computers, musical instruments, audio and recording equipment and other essential items for herself and the two teenage boys. The emotional weight of losing everything and having to rebuild is already so great, and we'd like to ease this process as much as possible with your donations and offerings.

Janisa has poured so much of her creativity, warmth, beauty and open-hearted generosity into her community. This is our chance to reciprocate and let her know she’s not alone in this tragedy. Please share this GoFundMe widely and help her family settle this hardship with love and community support.

Many of you have already offered to donate personal and home items for Janisa and the boys. Please message us directly with your donation and any further offers . We will keep track and sort everything. While Janisa is seeking permanent housing, she is unable to physically accept furniture and home items. Once a new space has been arranged, we will reach back with delivery and drop-off options.

We will keep you apprised of any updates relating to Janisa and the boys and the situation with the landlord.

Thank you all for the out pouring of love and support to Janisa and the boys.