Sarah Perrin, a mother of two, faces a challenging living situation in her subsidized BC Housing unit. Despite not paying market rent, she pays with something more precious – trauma. Perrin, a disabled single mother, opens up about the struggles she and her children endure in their home.
Coping with consistent cockroach infestations, Perrin tries to make their townhouse feel like home with Christmas decorations. However, behind the festive facade lies a reality of mold, mice, and chronic health issues. Perrin reveals the living conditions to the CityNews team, showcasing the distressing environment where her family resides.
Feeling unworthy of a safe and clean home due to the lack of proper support from BC Housing, Perrin speaks out after learning about another mother facing similar challenges. Despite the shared hardships among her neighbors at Culloden Court complex, Perrin feels isolated in her struggles.
Enduring years of constant dampness from numerous floods and facing ongoing issues like asbestos flooring, buckling walls, and malfunctioning fire alarms, Perrin’s plea for help from BC Housing often goes unanswered. The never-ending problems and lack of assistance add to Perrin’s distress and exhaustion.
Despite BC Housing’s confirmation of cockroach presence in the complex, the response to the issue remains inadequate. Perrin’s plea for the Minister of Housing, Christine Boyle, to experience her living conditions firsthand echoes her desperation for change and proper support.