An Ottawa mother is sharing her story after she, her two teens, and her adult son found themselves living in a tent in the woods. The family's plight underscores the deepening housing crisis in the nation's capital, where affordable options remain out of reach for many residents.
Mother's plea for help
The mother, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family has been living in the tent for several weeks after exhausting all other options. 'It's important we stay together,' she told CTV News. 'We have nowhere else to go.' The family includes a teenage daughter, another teenager, and an adult son. They have been relying on community donations for food and supplies.
Housing crisis in Ottawa
Ottawa has seen a sharp increase in homelessness in recent years, driven by rising rents, low vacancy rates, and insufficient affordable housing. According to the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, over 10,000 households are on the waiting list for subsidized housing. The city's emergency shelters are often at capacity, leaving families like this one with few alternatives.
Local advocates are calling on all levels of government to take urgent action. 'No one should have to live in a tent in Canada's capital,' said a spokesperson for the Ottawa Homelessness Network. 'We need more investment in affordable housing and supportive services.'
Community response
Neighbors and community groups have rallied to support the family, providing tents, sleeping bags, and meals. A GoFundMe campaign has raised thousands of dollars to help them secure permanent housing. However, the mother says the search for an affordable apartment has been discouraging. 'We've applied everywhere, but landlords want first and last month's rent, and we just don't have it.'
The family's story has sparked a broader conversation about homelessness in Ottawa, with some residents questioning why more isn't being done to help. 'It's heartbreaking to see a family living like this in our city,' said one local resident. 'We need to do better.'
As the summer months approach, the family faces the challenge of staying safe and healthy in their tent. They remain hopeful that a permanent solution will emerge. 'We just want a home,' the mother said. 'That's all we ask for.'
