How ’empty nester’ policy is forcing N.B. woman from her apartment of 18 years | 24CA News
Kimberly Donald is scrambling to discover a new house now that she’s being evicted from the NB Housing unit she’s lived in since 2005.
In February, she was advised she would wish to maneuver to a one-bedroom unit from her present two-bedroom unit as her son now not lives along with her.
This is because of NB Housing’s “empty nester” coverage.
In late April, Donald obtained a written discover saying she wanted to vacate her present unit by the tip of June.
“When I talked to (NB Housing), they said they have (no units) available,” Donald mentioned.
“They gave me papers saying that I’m responsible to find my own place and they’ll approve or not approve it depending on the price cap.”
NB Housing Corporation spokesperson Jennifer Vienneau advised Global News in an emailed assertion that below the coverage, its course of is to “work with the affected tenant to find a more appropriate housing option.”
“This can include another suitable public housing unit, if one is available,” Vienneau mentioned. “This is in addition to the Rent Supplement Program, should there be no suitable provincially owned vacant units available.”
Donald has been looking out web sites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace day in and time out to discover a appropriate one-bedroom that comes below the province’s value cap.
According to a letter she obtained from the province, her new one-bedroom should are available in at $925 together with warmth, or $825 with no utilities included.
Vienneau mentioned that quantity was decided utilizing the median market lease desk as decided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Donald mentioned it’s nearly unimaginable to discover a one-bedroom for that value, and the province is not going to pay for a bachelor unit.
“I found one and it was tiny and disgusting; there were roaches on the floor. It was just not good,” Donald mentioned, saying most one-bedrooms listed value at minimal $1,000 monthly.
She mentioned it’s laborious for her to even come up with potential landlords.
“I’ve had landlords tell me that I could look at the apartment and then I get a text message or a call saying that they’ve already rented it,” she mentioned.
“I’ve had challenges with them not subsidizing, they don’t want to deal with NB Housing.”
Donald depends upon earnings help as she is unable to work on account of a number of disabilities and well being points.
She obtained a letter from the Department of Social Development on May 2 indicating she wanted to offer a brand new deal with by May 24 to be able to guarantee her earnings help “would not be delayed.”
“I don’t know if I can find an apartment that quick. It’s very complicated and stressful,” she mentioned.
A consultant for the Department of Social Development advised Global News that, “Eligibility for Social Assistance is not impacted by whether or not individuals have a permanent residence.”
“However, Social Development does request information, such as current address, to ensure accurate and up to date client file information,” it mentioned.
Donald mentioned the stress of unsuccessfully searching for an house with a looming deadline has negatively affected her bodily and psychological well being.
She mentioned she requested for help discovering a unit from NB Housing and was advised there was nothing they might do.
“I’m not asking to stay here. I know they need the unit, I get it,” she mentioned.
“I’m asking for their help, either with moving expenses, or to help me find an apartment or give me an extension if I’m unsuccessful. I’m not asking for much, I’m just asking for a chance.”
Vienneau mentioned in circumstances the place the housing wants of a tenant change, “an alternative option is always offered and working with the tenant to find a resolution is our priority.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
