Sisters evicted from Colwood home receive hopeful update from BC Housing

CHEK

Two Colwood sisters, one sick with Stage 4 cancer, have received a potentially life-changing call after being evicted at the beginning of the month.

Sisters Heather and Christine Vanderweerd contacted CHEK News in April just days before their May 1 eviction deadline — but they had no luck finding any accommodation.

After sharing their story, a CHEK News viewer reached out with an offer — the sisters could rent his home in Langford.

“This is the only place that was available. Every single place that we looked at, 20 people were applying for the places,” said Christine.

But the property is slated for redevelopment, and the monthly rent of $3,000 is a stretch for the sisters, as well as Christine’s son Joshua.

The family applied for subsidized housing, and only Tuesday, she received a phone call from BC Housing.

“Then I just got a phone call today from the ministry, and they have a three-bedroom apartment for us,” said Christine.

Now knowing they will soon have a permanent, affordable home is a relief because Heather Vanderweerd begins chemotherapy for her cancer on Thursday.

“That’s a big load off sis, and it’s only a third of the income. So, when and if I pass, you know, she’s not going to be dealt with a huge bill at the end of the month.”

While they wait for a move-in date from BC Housing, they’ll unpack just as much as they need, knowing they don’t have to worry about where they will live in the future.

“We have a home. We have a roof over our head.”

“And a place to go.”

Mary GriffinMary Griffin

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