Update - I’m letting everyone know that as we are almost at our goal, and almost a month into this adventure, our expenses have greatly exceeded the original budget. Having to live in the Van longer than expected has cost us a huge amount of gas money even though we try very hard to sit still. We had to buy a battery as we were spending on jump starts with the Vancouver cab companies when we couldn’t get anyone to jump us. As well we have had to spend on food that is a bit more costly as we can’t cook and don’t have access to a kitchen. We are living on chips and salsa for the most part but it adds up. I have decided to raise the fundraiser goal in hopes that we can cover everything. I do worry this will be a bad look but I simply do not have a choice. I hope everyone understands. The support has been incredible and i can’t wait to thank each and every one of you in a personal note once I’m landed for a bit. Thank you all again so much! 

Hi! This is Kimmy. As many of you know, I have been defending my housing security for over 9 months now. On October 1st I lost that battle. On that day Luka ( my 11 month old Irish Wolfhound puppy) and I were forced from our home in a heartbreaking way. Now, living in a moldy Chevy Astro van , we have been moving from park to park trying to maintain our fundamental needs in an impossible way. Every day is spent moving spots, cleaning and wiping down a moldy van, acquiring food and finding a new safe place to sleep for the night. This has been extremely costly to our finances, and our physical and mental health. Burdened with valid stressors and grief we have reached the end of our resources. So many have already come forward to help, and without those people I cannot imagine how different things would be. Now some good news! Recently we were offered an opportunity. A temporary home on the Sunshine Coast for the winter. The end is in sight and it feels like a dream that could become a reality with a bit more help. A small cabin we can afford with an ocean view, and a healthy support system. A place to heal and regroup. We are asking our network and our networks network for help. If we can reach our goal of $2500 it would set us up for a month and give us a chance to catch our breath, catch up on sleep and plan a sustainable future. We are so close. The money will be used to cover a storage unit, gas to the Sunshine Coast, ferry costs, a damage deposit, a months rent, and groceries for the month. I cannot see a more promising opportunity in a housing market that has so many people without a chance. Luka has lost 10 lbs in the last 2 weeks and no matter how much love we give him, how many walks and positive experiences, he still needs a home that is stable. I am fighting my own anxiety and feelings of helplessness so deep that it is very difficult to see any of my dreams and goals achieved. This has devastated us, and affected so many watching the story unfold. I feel like i have been treading water for months. If you can spare a few dollars, I believe this goal is achievable. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you to those who have been with us along the way. Every bit of encouragement and sustenance is how we have made it this far…..