Evelyn’s story

Evelyn’s pension was enough to cover her apartment when she originally retired. However, her new building management started pushing through above guideline rent increases. Evelyn was finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet on her fixed income. Some days, Evelyn would skip meals to stretch her budget further. She was worried that she would be evicted if she was short on rent again.

Thankfully, someone referred her to Fred Victor. Evelyn and her case manager worked together to negotiate with her landlord to maintain her housing, including connecting Evelyn with rental subsidies. Evelyn felt she could trust her case manager for help, so she confided in them that her mental health was struggling. She felt very isolated in retirement and didn’t have close family living nearby. Evelyn’s case manager connected her with one of Fred Victor’s drop-in centres, where there are popular activities like bingo and crafts. Evelyn was able to connect with new friends, find community, and stay in her home.

Fred Victor’s One Step Up Fund helps people secure and maintain stable housing by filling critical gaps when no other help is available.

You want to help? Fred Victor knows how to stretch every dollar to prevent homelessness.

Your donation today helps more people like Evelyn stay safely housed.

Photos and identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of our clients.