Achi news desk-
Finding housing is a challenge for many people across Canada, but according to the Halifax Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), some immigrants have been leaving the province or the country because of the struggle with finding a place to live
“They just arrived in Canada [and] they have no experience, no credit score, and no job. All the money they earn here they mostly spend on rent,” said Olena Lokutsovska, Ukrainian newcomer peer leader for the YWCA.
“They realized that we might not be able to buy some property, an apartment, a house, and they decided to leave.”
Jenny Velychko moved to Nova Scotia in September. She was desperately looking for a place to live, so when a furnished apartment with a short-term lease became available, she signed up immediately. However, that lease now expires next month.
“Here, finding a job is a job and finding a rent is a job,” Velychko said. She said she has submitted at least 10 applications and so far all of them have been rejected. “I’m in Canada with my two children so I only have one Canadian income.”
Her partner and the rest of her family are in Ukraine. He doesn’t know anyone in Canada who can help him.
Velychko has some extra savings, but said landlords see it as a financial risk.
“It’s very difficult to be in a different country and I’m alone with my children. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing hope.”
Velychko said she also knows other new Canadians who are leaving the province, but she doesn’t want to be one of them.
“I hope these will be difficult for me but I hope in a year of experience here as an accountant it will be easier for me,” said Velychko.
In a statement to CTV News, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration said it provides support to people before they make the decision to move to Nova Scotia.
“We have also hired community navigators in six regions across the state to help connect anyone who wants to move to the state with community housing services such as housing before they arrive. We know that employers who want to hire newcomers also help them find housing,” read the statement.
In the meantime, Velychko said she will continue to apply until she finds a place she and her children can call home.
