Christmas Fund: the artist has nowhere to live in April

Alex admitted that if they can’t find a place to live by the end of the lease, they might be living on the street for a while.

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The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out almost all of Alex’s work. As an artist, Alex was used to his passion at least helping him pay the bills, and disability benefits covered the rest.

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After almost two years of not being able to find work, Alex took another hit when they were told they would have to move out of their apartment when the lease ended in April.

“Since the new owner came in, they’ve been doing constant repairs, but nothing seems to be working,” Alex said. “Nothing seems to be getting better. Hot water never works. “

They wouldn’t go so far as to say they’ve been renovated, but they say the place has become almost uninhabitable since they took over the new ownership.

With his savings depleted and no job prospects on the horizon, Alex doesn’t know what will happen when it’s time to move. They considered moving back to their hometown in Ontario at the start of the pandemic, but the rent there is skyrocketing and they can’t afford it. They admitted that if they can’t find a place to live when the lease ends, they may be living on the street for a while.

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“I have more of a social safety net in Quebec, so I’ll probably stay here,” Alex said. “I’m on a list of social housing, but that’s a five-year wait.”

Before that time comes, Alex will at least have a chance to see family over the holidays, and the Gazette Christmas Fund will help cover transportation costs. After that, it will be a desperate struggle to find a home.

“It’s something to look forward to,” Alex said. “Because in the new year, I have to move and find a new home. I have no choice “.

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