Challenge to find housing

Dear Editor: Last August the condo I was renting was sold. It hit me hard as I am a senior and was hoping that I would not have to move.

As I had a dog, there were only two people out of 14 that would take me and the dog.

I thought, at least someone is good enough to take us, but it didn’t work out, as both units had steps and no elevator. Then there was an ad in the paper. I phoned, asked if there were steps, they said “no.” So I asked if they take dogs and the man slammed the phone in my ear. A lady told me to try the motels.

The first one I asked said they had rooms. Then I asked about the dogs and he started to holler “no!” I got worried and said, “I just might end up as a street person” and he hollered back, “That’s your problem!”

As November and winter were coming, I really started to worry. The phone book showed me a motel that said Sahara Courtyard Inn and I asked the man if they take dogs and he said, “no.” I told him, “my dog is old.” So he talked it over with his brother and they said that we could stay until April.

Well April has come and gone and they had compassion for me and extended my stay one more month. My dog has been laid to rest as she too was a senior (a 17year-old Shitzu.) Then I was shown a place. It was exactly what I wanted. I filled in my application and then decided later to talk to them about me having to move out of the oneroom motel. I told them that my doctor said that I was in fairly good health except my legs couldn’t do any stairs. I know that they get many applications, but I tried many venues for rent and to no avail.

I feel because of my age perhaps they thought I couldn’t keep the place clean or have it well looked after. If that was the case it would be kept very well.

My husband was in the Army at Juno Beach and I thank Veterans Affairs that I have a lady come in once a week. However, I need a suite as she too will be out of a job. I hope someone out there has something or knows someone. Adeline Hudema

Penticton