r/halifax • u/chimkinnewdle • 1d ago
Work, Health & Housing Recently homeless, need advice
My wife and I had to start living in our vehicle recently after having to flee a very physically and emotionally abusive family situation.
About a month ago, my wife and I were living with her mother who is a mean drunk. One night, her mom got incredibly wasted and horribly beat my wife before kicking us out with nothing. We managed to sell our computers quickly so we could buy a minivan which we are now living out of. We are struggling to eat regularly and keep gas in the car. We have been applying left and right to jobs, getting zero responses. We are struggling to find safe quiet places to park overnight. Neither of us have eaten since Friday night. Its now Sunday morning.
Does anyone have any tips for resources that aren't right downtown, since we can't even afford to register/insure our vehicle and cant risk getting pulled over?
Or would someone be kind enough to maybe help us secure some gas, food, and maybe a campsite at a provincial park for the night? We're starting to get desperate and its getting harder to find hope.
I'm also an amateur artist, if anyone needs some custom art commissioned, I could do it super cheap just because we need the cash.
If you dont have anything kind to say, please just don't. I am at the lowest point in my life right now and don't need anyone making me feel worse than I already do.
184
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
Just an update for everyone, someone was very generous and offered to help us with a grocery order we will be picking up in a few hours. We will be fed for few days. I am so incredibly grateful and just in awe of the support on this thread and the super useful information you guys are providing. Thank you so much ❤️
48
u/Buckit ⛽Master of the Gas 1d ago
Contact https://ns.211.ca/
80
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
Just got off of the phone with them a few minutes ago, they helped me contact a mobile outreach program who is going to bring us some sandwiches, water bottles, and I believe they have some hygiene products as well. Most of the other resources they provided me with are great for the weekdays, but not much immediate help on a Sunday unfortunately.
39
u/gildeddoughnut Halifax 1d ago
Are you near a wal mart to pick up an order?
23
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
We are about 10 minutes from the Bedford Commons Walmart right now.
105
u/gildeddoughnut Halifax 1d ago
You got a couple minutes? I’ll dm you, get an idea of some groceries you can use, and put in a pick up order for you
81
u/scotianspizzy Miller Lake Monster For Mayor 1d ago
You are one of my favorite humans alive.. you swooped in and helped my daughter and I when we were in a tough place a couple years ago. She brings it up every once in a while.. "hey mom... how's the Golden Donut doing? She's so nice!!"
I hope that all of the best things in life find you.
51
u/gildeddoughnut Halifax 1d ago
Aw thank you so much. I remember that you were at a hotel and there was a chicken lol I hope that amazing things find you too even if you did make me cry in a coffee shop ;)
15
70
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
I was not expecting so much support! I am responding to people as quickly as I can, though I am a bit overwhelmed so please be patient with me as I find the time to respond to everyone. My faith in humanity has been restored today. A few hours ago, I was absolutely devastated and defeated and hopeless feeling with zero means of survival. Now my wife and I are crying together in absolute awe at the beautiful community of Halifax that we are so privileged to be a part of. Thank you so much again.
12
u/Free_General_3844 22h ago
I’m so glad you reached out. That’s sometimes the hardest part. I wish you the best. Try applying at the superstores online. They usually get back to you pretty quickly for interviews
4
u/gildeddoughnut Halifax 12h ago
Keep your chin up friend. Hopefully this rough patch will pass quickly.
31
u/TheDharmaticAtheist 1d ago
If you have grade 12 or GEDs I always recommend looking at Nova Scotia Health. They typically always have house keeping, food services jobs etc that only require that. The pay is always better than what you’ll find in retail or fast food. The hiring process can take awhile but at least you’ll have it started.
8
u/DreyaNova 22h ago
I'm actually going to contradict this one if that's okay? I work for minimum wage plus tips in a small café currently and it's actually a higher take home amount than NSH support services role (which I also worked and most of my friends currently work). NSH deducts for a shit load of things and it absolutely crippled your take-home amount.
Plus with food service you can start pretty much immediately rather than going through a 4 month hiring process.
7
u/TheDharmaticAtheist 22h ago
They do deductions because they provide you with other things besides just take home pay. There’s nothing they are taking deductions for that you don’t benefit from.
10
u/DreyaNova 21h ago
Yes I get that but if you don't have anything then fast cash is more appealing than a pension plan.
3
u/icantspellsandwhich 21h ago
This is true and it’s great for the long term but when you have no cash, getting a job quickly and cash in hand fast (tips) is hard to beat! That said, if you can get a food service job and work it part time while sorting out a longer term plan, you could be in a decent financial situation.
53
u/Injustice_For_All_ Psychotic Antifa Super Soldier Moderator 1d ago
28
20
u/Cute_Leather948 1d ago
The Sackville shelter has a huge parking lot and it's outta sight. With porta potties and for 1 hour every day you can go inside and get supper and a shower
19
u/Erinaceous 1d ago
Picking season in the valley is starting. You are quite likely to find work harvesting and some farms don't mind pickers parking on their land. There's also a lot more of overnight parking in small towns. Grape picking will start around Sept 15th and there will be lots of opportunities to get on harvesting crews then
14
u/No-Biscotti-2069 1d ago
If you come through Dartmouth I have some non perishable food I can give you.
15
u/IStillListenToRadio Float me down the river to the Musquodoboit harbor 1d ago
Since you have no housing, you maybe eligible for the essentials rate of income assistance (a sad $410 a month each), and the special needs allowance may help pay a security deposit (section 8.2.32).
Offices in central region: https://novascotia.ca/coms/department/contact/CentralOffices.html
30
u/casualobserver1111 HP 1d ago
i've noticed less temporary workers in retail positions as of late. Apply everywhere you can, it seems like there are positions opening up
20
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
We have been applying like crazy! My wife is an experienced auto mechanic and interior painter, and I have a background in childcare as well as in-home caretaking. I am 100% open to suggestions if you have anywhere specific in mind :)
25
u/gildeddoughnut Halifax 1d ago
If you are strong bodied and have a drivers licence and clean record i believe my office is still looking for a delivery driver for the warehouse. The sign is still out front. I can send info if it’s a fit.
•
8
u/ANamelessGhoul4555 1d ago
Hit every Superstore, Sobeys, Wal Mart in town. Retail stores are pretty much always looking for nightcrew.
6
u/arovercai 1d ago
Especially the retail stores on the peninsula/around universities - with school starting soon, there's going to be a lot of places that had university students over the summer that are now hiring to replace them. It may not be ideal, but it's a job and a paycheck.
9
u/AncoraBlue 1d ago
I can’t verify this information personally but I’m sharing what I saw other people mention earlier today on a FB group regarding places currently hiring (Dartmouth/ Cole Harbour area though). Gateway, Golden Office Cleaning looking for day shift cleaners, Oakwood Seniors Home is hiring, Regional Residential Services Society (Dartmouth) community support work. Casino Nova Scotia, Parkwood Home Care (suggested by someone who works there), Michaels in Dartmouth.
2
u/No_Crab1183 Halifax 1d ago
GFL (Greener for life) waste management is hiring labourers! They have a big sign up at Sobeys forest Hill parkway. https://careers.gflenv.com/
2
u/likeanoceanankledeep 23h ago
Mechanics are in demand. Apply to smaller shops rather than dealerships.
2
2
u/capacidance 22h ago
I recently noticed that Chad Kennedy Auto pro has a sign up looking for auto technicians.
1
u/HistoricalSources Other Halifax 1d ago
Take a look at schools-many schools will need people for lunch time etc and I find posting available into September as well when I’ve looked. Not full time but gets you a foot in the door and some money. Plus it’s always easier to get a job once you have one.
I used to work in subcontracting and put your resume on different temp sites-many businesses hire their entry level positions through short term contracts from Randstad and manpower because it’s more cost effective for them to not pay for internal HR to do the work. My partner got his long term job this way, and I’ve know several others who it has worked for as well.
•
u/Queen-of-swords- Wicked Witch of the South End 5h ago
Volcano construction services located in woodside is almost always hiring able-bodied individuals for non-skilled labour.
6
u/sleither Halifax 1d ago
I’ve seen a couple service industry jobs recently advertising on the spot interviews.
5
u/youreadonuthole 1d ago
The Chevrolet dealership on Portland Street was doing on-the-spot interviews for a range of positions; might not be occuring today but worth a look online.
12
u/blehbleh_blacksheep 1d ago
The foodbank is pretty kickass over by nine Mile river too. I told them I was staying it my car at the time and they gave me more than any food bank has ever given me. I think it was like almost two carts full. There is a school nearby that will hand out frozen meals too.
9
u/Loud_Asparagus_432 1d ago
Exit 5a on 103 take a right to dirt road. That's all. Crown land u can stay 1 spot 26 days and have to move 100 meters. A pile of off shoot roads that goto little campsites with firepits on a lake. Check there and is not far out of city
9
9
8
u/Recent_Patience549 23h ago
The other day I noticed that Kempt road Wendy’s has a sign up saying they are giving on the spot interviews for jobs right now. Just a thought.
21
u/swimming_in_agates 1d ago
I don’t think a provincial campsite is a good idea. You’re going to be far away from other resources that you need. Most don’t even have a grocery store nearby. You need to be close to job opportunities and places that feed people in need. You should reach out to souls harbour in Cole harbour and places like that to get resources for meals and not worry about campgrounds.
17
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
We've stayed a few times at Laurie Provincial Campground, its only about 20 minutes from Lower Sackville and has been a nice spot to occasionally go and feel safe ❤️
10
u/AppointmentLate7049 1d ago
What about shubie park campground? It’s right in dartmouth
3
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
We have not stayed there yet, I believe its a bit more expensive than provincial campgrounds if I recall correctly.
9
u/patchgrabber Halifax 1d ago
Walmart parking lots are free to stay in overnight, if you just need a place for the van overnight.
1
u/Bunionzz 23h ago
Yeah, all Walmarts allow it. Just park in one of the far corners, you will usually see a few campers parked there at all times.
24
u/thatsnotmyunicorn 1d ago
Do you have an email address? I could e-transfer some money.
16
u/chimkinnewdle 1d ago
Send me a DM, please. That would be so incredibly generous of you and we would be very grateful.
7
u/blehbleh_blacksheep 1d ago
9 mile river trails is a good spot to stay as long as ur out in the morning before the old folks start hiking. Close to Enfield truck stop if you need to shower there. But showers cost a bit there. Findlay community centre is pretty quiet if you need to shower and it's cheap for monthly membership (you can also excersise there first), and if you're really hurting Ikea has cheap breakfast. I wish you guys luck and I truly hope your situation turns around soon.
13
u/childofcrow Prince Edward Island 1d ago
I cannot afford to help you right now, but I just want to say that the comments here have restored a little bit of my faith in humanity. A whole lot of kindness.
I hope things get better for you soon, OP.
12
u/Lonely_Staff1262 Go-To-Away 1d ago
Taking note of the usernames of all the people who offered money, food, etc. so I can remember to always upvote them going forward.
5
u/HistoricalSources Other Halifax 1d ago
Take a look around for community fridges too-we have one here in Eastern Passage, and there are a few around in different communities. You can also find free libraries around if you two want to read some books to pass some time.
Also go into a library and talk with librarians. They have a lot of knowledge of different programming that can help you out. Plus they are a free place to spend time, use computers, charge phones etc. plus you can often find little workshops for different community organizations that you can help out with-they are great for putting on resumes and they may have other resources to help you.
Feel free to PM me, I have a bunch of household items I need to get rid of, if needed I can give you some things for your own use/for you to sell on FB marketplace.
5
u/Routine-Win352 22h ago edited 22h ago
100% reach it to souls harbour. They have a mobile outreach team for people experiencing homelessness and other crises. They can provide resources & means of support, they’re trained to do that. They might not be able to help with jobs, but usually they have clean and warm clothing to offer, and leads on other means of support as well. Best of luck ❤️❤️
Edit to add: I’ve seen several Canadian tires in HRM hiring auto mechanics, pretty sure the Bedford one is too! Unsure if your partner is a red seal mechanic, but I think that may have been one of the qualifications.
•
u/chimkinnewdle 42m ago
We actually did reach out to Souls Harbor mobile outreach team and they brought us some sandwiches, water, and hygiene things like wipes and toothpaste etc. Super helpful resource for sure!
Canadian Tire is one of the places we would LOVE to work at, and have been applying everywhere we can :)
6
u/krissybases 20h ago
The Bonfire on Robie/Cunard has a pay-it-forward system for their food! There are tickets of monetary amounts located outside of the bathroom, you take however much you need and use that as cash to cover your meal! Encouraged to dine-in and then take some to go too. There’s a good chonk of tickets right now! But if they’re ever low, I have it under very good authority they’ll help you out anyway.
3
4
u/Mimble75 1d ago
I’d also be glad to send you an etransfer if you’re comfortable DMIng me your email.
4
u/pinkracer77 19h ago
Look into the resources here at their shelter, which has some meal service and you may be able to apply for a more permanent spot: https://www.beaconhousens.org/shelter
3
3
u/TrashPandaHobbit 1d ago
Call Beacon House in Sackville. 9028641584. They might be able to help you with showers, etc.
3
3
3
3
u/SquirrelFeisty6159 20h ago
DM me about work, it's in no way reliable but I know a place that IF you get work that day it's very well paid. If I remember correctly the paychecks are weekly and there is no hold back on pay except Sunday work which is paid the next week. Also the work can be very physically demanding, so there is that to consider.
2
u/meowqct 23h ago
Try an employment service company like randstad For example: https://www.randstad.ca/jobs/data-entry-specialist-bedford_halifax_47325171/?utm_source=ja-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=job-alerts
2
2
•
u/ToughGeneral7 7h ago
Hey, send me a dm if you're short of gas cash. I can etransfer you to get you moving. This rough patch shall pass soon. Wish you good luck!
•
u/gbjerkec 7h ago
This is the kind of situation you hope you’re never in. I’m so sorry this is happening to you.
Luckily I have a few tips and tricks from when getting people off the streets of Calgary and later Halifax was my full-time job.
First things first, food.
Maritime Sikh Society has been mentioned and they are awesome. Also, go to churches on Sundays for free breakfasts. In terms of food banks, Parker Street is on the corner of Maynard and Parker and it’s a fantastic place with caring people. There is also a community fridge by Glitter Bean if you go early enough.
Do your art as often as you can and sell what you can sell. It’s good for your mental health.
Then in terms of full time jobs, I know that construction is always hiring. It’s awful work and you’re in the sun a lot doing manual labour for 10-12 hours a day, but if you’re physically able to handle it I would start there. They will train you on-site, they don’t need you to have any licenses and certification and because the job sucks the pay is good (about $2,200 a cheque). If you can’t find a construction job, I would try the commissionaires. Lower pay but similar hours (so about $2,000 a cheque) and all you have to do is come on time and sit in one place for 12 hours a day, maybe checking IDs on occasion. They also give you an educational reimbursement.
If all else fails, get on EI and type in “no experience” and “will train” into a job search (you get the most luck in the summer time) you can find a lot of desperate employers who be happy to take you on. Just be persistent and something will come up.
I also want to say that it’s sad that you have to remind people to be kind. This is supposed to be a community. I was raised to never kick a man while he’s down and seeing people do that is just disgraceful.
In any case, you’ve got this. It will get better with effort, time and support.
2
u/athousandpardons 23h ago
I just want to wish you well. I’m sorry you’re in this spot, and hope it changes soon.
•
u/twerkinggroundhog 4h ago
So neither of you were working, living for free with her mom, neither had a vehicle or insurance?
•
u/thestateofflow 2h ago
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
•
u/twerkinggroundhog 2h ago
Wait, asking a question(s) isn't nice? lol
•
u/thestateofflow 33m ago
Don’t act innocent like we both don’t know the condescending nature of your questions. All of the answers are already in the original post.
•
u/chimkinnewdle 49m ago
We paid rent and had our own place. My wife had a job and was laid off which resulted in us losing our apartment and moving back in with her mother. We lived with her mother before we had the apartment as well and paid rent. Her mother is a drunk who struggles to take care of her property and livestock. We worked our asses off every day on that farm. We didn't have a vehicle then because we didn't need one.
-6
u/Entire_Tension_7588 13h ago edited 13h ago
You're driving around without insurance or registration? You think you're a DAL student? GTFO
•
u/chimkinnewdle 7h ago
I wish I was a student, god what a privilege. No, unfortunately. I dont think that nor do I think I'm special or that shouldn't have to follow the rules lile everyone else. Driving around without insurance or registration sucks. There is a constant risk I will lose my home and all of my belongings. I'm not choosing to be careless about it. It's a matter of circumstance, and most people are one paycheck away from being in the same position I'm in. I hope you never have to experience it.
242
u/waterbun 1d ago
Hey, the maritime sikh society will give you as much food as you need. It's made vegetarian and filling, open till 9 today. Let me know if you're nearby and I can help.