An Indigenous Algonquin Grandmother and voting member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg currently left only with a sleeping bag and tent in Ottawa Vanier street.

Following an amputation, she found herself unhoused on her traditional territory.

She cannot physically set up a tent while navigating a wheelchair forced to sleep on the ground in the bush.

Being a disabled, solitary elderly First Nations woman on the streets of downtown Ottawa carries an extreme risk concerning MMIW crisis.

Unsanitary ground conditions pose an immediate, severe risk of infection, threatening the loss of her remaining limb.

She requires daily insulin, that needs to be refrigerated. An impossibility while sleeping on the streets in the bush. She recently had to leave her previous residence due to severe caregiver strain, navigating a divorce, and facing this entire transition.

While our family are fiercely lobbying municipal, Indigenous and housing leaders across Ottawa, the system is bottlenecked.

Our immediate, absolute priority is raising emergency funds for an accessible room so she can survive while she and our community can secure a permanent place to call home.

This fundraiser will establish an 8-month Winter Runway from October to May with remaining funds serving as a cushion for emergency Para Transpo or accessible taxi services.

She has spent her life contributing to her community. Now, she needs her community. Please consider donating to give this grandmother safety, soft landing, and basic human dignity she deserves. If you cannot donate, your sharing this post is just as powerful. Miigwetch / Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Financial Breakdown

Our $35,000 goal is strictly budgeted based on her immediate and long-term survival needs:

• $4,500 | Emergency Lodging Covers accessible hotel room for September to rescue her today.

• $2,400 | Housing Deposit First and last month rent required upfront to secure a permanent accessible apartment lease.

• $9,600 | 8 Months’ Rent Covers her monthly housing costs at $1,200 per month from October through May to ensure absolute stability through the winter.

• $8,000 | Food and Groceries Provides a stable budget of $1000 per month for fresh diabetic friendly groceries delivered directly to her home for all 8 months.

• $1,500 | Living Setup Re-establishes her independent life.

• $1,600 | Medical Support Covers vital diabetic supplies, wound care dressings, and healthcare needs.

• $6,400 | Fees and Contingency Covers GoFundMe transaction fees.