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Keep a roof over Leah's head in Toronto

A sudden layoff left Leah short on rent for 2 months; help us stay in our home.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada2,822 views
Leah E. Howell
Email verified
Toronto
After a sudden layoff at the restaurant, I fell 2 months behind on rent. Last Tuesday a termination letter was taped to my door, and the amount I owe is $4,450. My landlord has been understanding for a while, but he has now been clear: if the arrears aren't cleared by March, we must leave. I have three school-aged children at home. Moving isn't just an expense - it would mean new schools, a new commute and no deposit to put down anywhere else. I have started working extra hours at a market stall, and I'm applying for help from local services, but nothing will arrive in time without the rest of the gap covered here. The money will be paid directly to the landlord and I'll upload the receipt once it's done. Where the $4,450 goes: โ€ข Late fees and court costs: $240 โ€ข Rent arrears (2 months): $3,200 โ€ข First month of rent as a buffer: $1,010 Thanks for being kind about this. - Leah
due date
2024-03-01
bill type
Rent arrears
#rent#eviction-prevention#family#housing

Updates from Leah

  1. Quick update: $1,022 raised so far (23%). we've booked the dates and paid the deposit. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

  2. We're at 15% thanks to 20 of you. we've started the first stage. More news soon.

  3. Thank you all. We're at 7% now ($290). I'm honestly stunned. we've started the first stage. - Leah

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Camille S. Marquez ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ ยท $5
  • Sohel Liton Dutta ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ ยท $10
  • Takeshi Riku Tanaka ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ยท $10
  • Anonymous ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช ยท $10
  • Muthoni Irene Musyoka ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ฟ ยท $25

    โ€œHope this helps. Small amount but sent with love. - Dodomaโ€

  • Emilia S. Hansen ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $20
  • Mwangi Wekesa Mwesigwa ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ช ยท $20

    โ€œBest of luck. Thought of Leah all day after reading this. - Kisumuโ€

  • Rani M. Saxena ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ ยท $25

    โ€œWish I could do more. Only $25 but hope it helps. - Nagpurโ€

  • Juliรกn K. Pรฉrez ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $5
  • Anonymous ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ ยท $10
  • William T. Martinez ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $50
  • Justine Barbier ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ยท $10

    โ€œGod bless. My sister told me about this one. - Saint-Denisโ€

  • Kinsley R. Hayes ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ยท $25
  • Fatima Farah Zardari ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ ยท $5
  • Liton Kamrul Majumder ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ ยท $53.50
  • Gianna N. Lacson ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ ยท $5

    โ€œHope this helps. Only $5 but hope it helps. - Cebu Cityโ€

  • Alexandra L. Stanley ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ยท $20
  • Walker J. Thompson ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ยท $5.50
  • Hazel P. Uy ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ ยท $50
  • Jun S. Galang ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ ยท $33

Reviews

3.3(7 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Citra Sari Saputra๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉVerified helper
    Restored my faith in humanity

    I had a complex problem and this person helped me navigate it step by step. Their expertise combined with their kindness made all the difference.

  • Wayne H. White๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งVerified donor
    Made a real difference

    This is what community support looks like. They didn't just offer generic advice; they provided personalized help tailored to my specific situation.

  • Subramanian L. Bhat๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณVerified helper
    Helped when no one else could

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Elijah Bennett๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธVerified helper
    Patient and understanding

    This experience has restored my faith in the goodness of people. The helper was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my outcome.

  • Noriko Harumi Ota๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตVerified donor
    Professional and kind

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Tolga Taner ลžen๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ทVerified helper
    Very responsive and caring

    The support I received was beyond what I expected. Not only did they help with the immediate need, but they also provided guidance for long-term solutions. I'm forever grateful.

  • Carol D. Williamson๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งVerified donor
    Truly grateful for the support

    The help I received was exactly what was described and more. This person follows through on their commitments and genuinely cares about making a positive impact.

Questions & comments

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  • Jihan Mega Tampubolon

    Stay strong. Shared it with a few friends. After 14 years in hospitality I know how hard it's to ask for anything.

    • Kiptoo Paul Mwangi

      keep going. Rent stress is the worst. Hope this helps. Don't be hard on yourself for asking. Love from Bowling Green.

      • Anh Vinh Duong

        Wishing you the best, Leah. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Wish I lived closer to Bronx so I could bring a meal. Take care.

        • Brenda H. Duran

          thanks for sharing this. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. We're a small family in Likoni but we're thinking of you.

          • Doris Campos

            You're not alone, Leah. Rent stress is the worst. Hope this helps. Don't lose heart. A few weeks ago I was in a hole too and it changed faster than I expected. Thinking of Toronto.

            • Charles Coleman

              So sorry you're going through this, Leah. Gave what I could, wish it was more. All the best

              • Lillian Norris

                Thanks for sharing this, Leah. Hope this works out for you. I hope March is when things finally get easier

                • Kalpana Parvati TamangPhoto verified

                  Stay strong, Leah. Gave what I could, wish it was more. We're a small family in Allentown but we're thinking of you. Love from Allentown.

                  $1,868.50 raised of $4,450

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