It’s only a short time since a little Chilliwack family was whisked off the streets, and everything has changed.
The homeless couple that many folks read about in the Progress, Anna and David, have managed to secure an apartment, with the help of caring Good Samaritans.
Laura Bourgo-Gravano Keeley reported on a social media site last week that the couple was settling into a cozy basement suite in Sardis, near the bus line.
“David and Anna are now moved in. I found the most caring landlord anyone could ask for,” she wrote on a FB page.
The Vancouver man drove back to Chilliwack, to show them his basement suite apartment with a backyard for their dog Jessie. He waived the damage deposit, and lowered the rent to $800.
“He may even have a better job for David.”
The landlord’s only request was to remain anonymous.
The caring Samaritans also managed to get the couple a lap top and a cell phone each.
“David would love to help the community out as we have for them.”
They will likely help with an upcoming pizza night at Ruth and Naomi’s Mission.
Everyone who has contributed to the effort to stabilize this family was thanked profusely. It has been a true community effort, that has touched all who hear about it.
“I cannot express how happy we felt tonight,” she added on Facebook. “The big hugs we got from them both, and the look in their eyes, knowing they are gonna be OK.
“Thank you all again, and we could not have done this with out all your help.”
Before they were helped by strangers, the couple known was flat out on the streets of Chilliwack. They’d been trying to eke out an existence. They would sleep on wooden palettes under tarps. They were holed up against a former A& W building on Luckakuck Way.
They’d immigrated from China, where David had worked as a mechanical engineer. They have no family here, and were struggling to secure enough funds to cover housing, and could not enter a homeless shelter because of their pet.
Now they are feeling overwhelmed and so grateful for the kindness shown by a number of dedicated Samaritans.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
twitter.com/chwkjourno
