Back on our feet: Noah and a teenage son and a daughter in primary school in Ottawa

After a house fire in July, I'm now raising a teenage son and a daughter in primary school on my own. I work as a part-time receptionist, but my income doesn't cover rent, childcare and groceries. I'm retraining as an electrician in the evenings, which will triple my income by October, but I need to bridge the gap until then. Some weeks I skip meals so my children can eat. I have never asked anyone for help like this before, and I'm doing it for them. Once I finish my course, I'll pay it forward. Every cent is accounted for. I'll share a simple monthly breakdown. Where the $5,050 goes: • Rent top-up: $2,400 • Childcare and after-school care: $1,150 • Groceries and school meals: $740 • Course fees and exam costs: $760 If you're reading this, thank you.