Achi news desk-
A group of local scrappers continues their work to find permanent housing for an elderly man who has been living in his truck with his two dogs for two and a half years.
“Everything is a challenge when you live in a truck, even a big car like the Escalade,” the 64-year-old told CTV News. “Everything is a challenge. Cooking, keeping yourself clean, brushing your teeth, everything becomes a challenge.”
The group, known as “The Housing Helper” on Facebook, was first notified of George’s life circumstances in December. With the harsh winter temperatures and safety concerns for both George and his dogs, they made the decision to move forward.
George in his van. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV Kitchener)
“It’s a lot of hard work, but we’ve had a lot of very, very supportive people and we continue to have a lot of supportive people, which we’re very, very grateful for,” said team member Jocelyn Schaefer.
Until mid-January, George was living in an Airbnb funded by housing assistants.
These donations have since dwindled and the group pays out of pocket his expenses.
After that, George is forced to make one of the hardest decisions he’s ever had to make – to give up his dogs to the local humane society.
“I trust this team with my life,” he explained. “I made the hard sacrifice. It’s a hard decision, but the hardest was the dogs. And I have to tell you, I’m still not sure I made the right decision, but I had no choice.”
George is now living in a motel, weighing his options and patiently looking for an affordable place to live. It’s one he hopes to share with a new furry companion down the road.
“I want to find a private room that will allow me to get a dog,” he said. “I’ve had a dog since I was 10.”
George at his motel on April 9, 2024. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV Kitchener)
Schaefer said the group reached out to Waterloo Region to inquire about subsidized housing for George, but after being moved to several different people, they are still in the same situation as before — without secure long-term housing.
“If we get a response we’re, you know, grateful,” she explained. “But nine times out of 10, right now our experience has been that we just don’t get the phone calls back. We do understand that [he] He is one of many who are in the system and need help. So we understand that nothing will happen overnight.”
Schaefer knows it can take more than 10 years to get into subsidized housing.
“It was very disheartening, but we continue to do our best and that’s all we can do.”
While finding affordable housing in the area can be a challenging process, Schaefer said the housing assistant group is committed to supporting George.
“He’s a teddy bear, he’s a great man. He just unfortunately fell on hard times a few years ago and living in a truck is ultimately what he felt he had to do. But his outlook is great. He doesn’t deserve any of this and none of this was his fault. He’s a hard worker Very much together with us, as well as me, to set things right again.”
George in an undated photo from his GoFundMe page.
The group is currently accepting donations via GoFundMe and is encouraging people to join the Housing Helpers Facebook group which currently has over 11,000 members, all supporting and helping people facing homelessness.
“They are saving my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” George said.
For ways to help George and others in the Waterloo area, check out Housing Helpers on Facebook.
