Help Claude fix his car he is currently living in

I have been living in my vehicle since February 2023 and managing well until the ball joint for my front axle broke in late August. I am now stuck in place until I can find some assistance. I am blessed at where I broke down due to the kindness, compassion, caring and generosity from, who I will now refer to as my “neighbours”, since my car broke. My neighbours have given me the hope and strength to go out each day in search of a mechanic and/or garage that can help me. (insert picture of Leigh and I)

I am currently being supported by Ontario Works (OW), the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (CRC), the Food Bank and Community Fridge, the Salvation Army Outreach team, and wellness checks from the Ottawa Police. I have completed the documentation for housing, have a Housing Worker at the Salvation Army and on the waitlist (with priority due to my age).

Who am I?

I have been (and still am although retired) a Health System Policy Advisor and influencer, a leader in the Mental Health and Addictions sector (based at The Royal), Vice-President of CMHA Ottawa Board of Directors amongst others as a volunteer (approx. 13K hours from 2006-2017) and hired as a Peer Specialist with a local Housing Agency to support the Housing First Model clients who have been in shelter and moving into their new homes for the past 5 yrs.

I have lived both sides of these complex social issues and struggled with getting support and services at times. I can’t imagine how challenging it is for those experiencing homelessness who do not have the experience and insight I have so have been helping all those I encounter while I search for mechanical assistance. Examples of my work can be found here:

Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)

https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/mental-health-strategy-for-canada/

The Royal

https://www.theroyal.ca/

CMHA Ottawa

https://ottawa.cmha.ca/

Canadian Depression Research and Innovation Network (CDRIN)

https://cdrin.org/

Health Quality Ontario (HQO)

https://www.hqontario.ca/

Media

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/could-treating-depression-be-just-a-blood-test-away-1.3277614?cache=

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2016/04/20/one-mans-plight-highlights-health-care-gap-between-ontarios-rich-and-poor/

and,

Multiple conferences, roundtables and public speaking

Winter is coming and I need to prepare in case I don’t have a home so I need to be mobile. I have all the winter clothes I need as well as the many supports that will help if this happens. All I require at this stage is my “home” fixed so I can be mobile. I’ve been quoted between $500-$3000 to get it road ready depending on the extent of the damage.

(insert car pictures)

I have decided to ask for $5000 tops. This would ensure I have enough funds to get the vehicle roadworthy to sell after I find a home and a new bed and mattress for that new home and lastly a much needed laptop (I’ve been using the Ottawa Public Library computers since June). If the donations exceed this amount, I will donate it to the agencies that have carried me these past 8 months and include the Humane Society for all the puppy love I received from my neighbours as they walk their 4 legged family member(s) and CAS for their challenging work during these difficult times.

Thank you for your consideration.

Humbly,

Claude Lurette