Housing for Homeless

Through some generosity we've been able to reduced the amount needed to get the outstanding arrears paid so that we can apply for emergency housing. This is amazing news and we are so close now! Huge thanks to everyone!

I've edited my original story so that I can share this publicly and be more sensitive to the delicacy of the situation.

I've been fortunate to have connected with my cousin who has been homeless for the past few years. Since May of 2024, I've worked hard to build trust with him with the hopes of trying to get him housed and safe. I've been buying him groceries twice a week and supplying him with things to help him survive... camping stove, sleeping bag, warm clothes, etc. Basically whatever he needs to ease his suffering. I've also had support from some generous people in my life and that generosity is heartwarming.

There is a stigma in society that homeless people should be feared. That is not always the case. I recognize that there is a need for caution for certain, but people are in this position for so many reasons and in most cases, it's reasons beyond their control. It doesn't however, exclude them from needing the basic necessities of life in Canada. It does however, exclude them from having the ability to understand how to achieve that once it's been lost.

Our social safety net is broken in ways that I would have never understood until I've tried to navigate it myself. You don't qualify for housing money if you're not housed but can't pay for housing without the housing funds. In the cases of mental illness, most lack insight into the fact that they're mentally ill but are required to submit medical support of an illness they adamantly disagree with having, as a mandatory step to securing... and keeping any disability pension. Many are young people who've grown up in foster homes and have aged out of the system and have no family to support them. Some have fled from abusive homes. Many turn to drugs and alcohol out of desperation. Some times its just economics and maybe a lack of ability to find or retain employment. They need help, not judgement. Those inflicted with mental illness have unrealistic expectations thrust at them for reasons they don't have the capacity to understand. I am challenged to believe that even drug addicts wake up one morning expecting their path to take them where they've ended up. Even the best people can be capable of terrible things out of desperations so yes, caution but not ignorance.

To understand who he was prior to becoming homeless, you should know that he was married. He had 2 children. He always worked and worked hard. He had a very stable life. He never abused drugs or alcohol and still doesn't. He wasn't perfect but he certainly was the definition of the common guy. A good person from a good family who was building a good life. His situation stole that from him and from his children. Their mom passed from cancer a few years after the marriage ended. In their teens, their kids lost both parents and continue to struggle with life alone. They really need some stability for their father.

With that said, I set out on a journey to get him back into subsidized housing. Social assistance will barely cover the cost of housing and to make matters more complicated, when he was last housed he went deeply into arrears through no fault of his own. In order to get him back into housing, he needs to repay the rent arrears. At this point, he needs to pay $5000 to cover that before he can even be put on the emergency list. As you can imagine, that is an unreachable goal for someone with zero income and zero resources. It's a catch 22 situation that will only be overcome by asking for the generosity of family, friends and even strangers.

I've asked for an additional $1000 as our goal to assist with getting him household items that he will also need. At this time, the only possessions he has are those he pushes around in a shopping cart. A month ago, he was robbed by two other homeless men while he slept. Some of his important items, like the bible his mom gave him (she just passed away a week before this happened) and his cell phone that he used on free WIFI to message me. Believe it or not, within 24 hours we were able to get that bible back. Maybe luck. Maybe divine intervention. You can decide!

The weather here turned bad this week and it's frigid. He is living under a bridge trying to stay warm and believes that God will take care of him. I believe he needs a bit of help from the community too.

Please consider donating to help. I promise you that absolutely any amount will be appreciated and I will use this money exactly how it is intended to be used. In the fortunate event that we raise more than the goal, I'll commit to helping others in need. It will not be wasted! The need is overwhelming. If we fail to reach this goal, everything collected will be put aside until an alternate plan can be figured out but the money will be used in a respectful, responsible way.

Thank you for anything you can contribute!