In 2013 we received a call from Amanda stating the RCMP had placed her in Hestia House with her eight year-old and three month-old children, due to abuse from her mother and step father. Amanda had only two weeks to find a place to live, plus she only had an income of $910 per month to cover all the needs of her family.

Fresh Start found Amanda funding under an Abusive Policy which would cover her rent, damage deposit and household needs. Due to her financial status we were able to find Amanda accommodation with low-income housing. We also asked for Child Tax Benefits for Amanda, (whose mother had apparently been collecting and keeping for herself for seven years saying that Amanda didn’t qualify).

The mother is being investigated for fraud and the Child Tax Benefits have been re-established for Amanda, who, by-the-way, is doing very well.