A GoFundMe has been started to help raise funds for a local mother of three after the loss of two homes, the inability to get into emergency housing, and eventually testing positive for COVID-19.
Laura McIntyre is a survivor of domestic violence.
In 2020, she moved her and her three kids into a transitional house in the Lower Mainland — leaving behind almost everything they owned.
“We had gone over to the transitional house and a week later COVID hit and I found myself trying to home school three special needs kids after some serious trauma with no proper support, and we lost our spot at the shelter,” says McIntyre.
After bouncing around motels, McIntyre was able to purchase a trailer with money she received from a back payment for her son’s autism.
But, after discovering mould three months later, they were forced out — right back at square one.
Family friend Tara Twaddle started a GoFundMe to help purchase them another trailer.
“To know that she’s struggling and just wanting to help her get a safe, warm, dry place to live, and our kids are friends and that’s what you do, you help,” says Twaddle.
After raising close to $20,000, McIntyre purchased a fifth wheel and just as things were starting to go well, they got worse.
“We noticed a leak, during the day Tuesday, I was attempting to get insurance while I was at work and had managed to most likely get it insured Wednesday. However, we woke up Wednesday morning feeling ill,” said McIntyre.
McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19, putting her out of work, but the setbacks kept coming. The same night a fire started in their breaker box and their trailer was now unlivable.
“It’s just been one thing after another and you know, it’s just been a series of getting knocked down farther than I could have ever imagined and I’m struggling to stand back up and keep going,” adds McIntyre.
The four of them are now quarantining in a motel and have no idea what the future will bring.
With only $2,000 remaining from the initial funds, Twaddle is asking for support from the community once more to help get McIntyre and her three children back on their feet.
To view the GoFundMe, click here.
Hannah Lepine
