For six years, Chelsea, Eli, and their two children had been comfortable in their rented home in sa国际传媒. They were in a neighborhood they loved and the kids were doing well in their school- they were stable. But when the house was sold and they had to leave their rental, the family found themselves facing a housing market that no longer aligned with their budget.
When Chelsea and Eli first started looking for a new place to rent, they were shocked by the steep rise in rental prices. 鈥淲e knew we鈥檇 had a good deal on rent but didn鈥檛 realize just how rare what we had was,鈥 Eli says. With no way to afford a similar home in their preferred area where they wouldn鈥檛 have to change schools for the kids, Chelsea and Eli signed a lease on a new rental that they knew was stretching their finances. 鈥淲e thought we鈥檇 be able to make it work,鈥 Chelsea said.
It soon became clear that the higher rent was more than just a financial challenge 鈥 it was limiting their ability to cover other essentials.
Despite their best efforts to budget carefully, the cost of rent, food, utilities, and everyday needs was unachievable. They couldn鈥檛 seem to find a cheaper spot to rent for their family and were stuck in their too-expensive lease. Chelsea and Eli didn鈥檛 want to fall behind on bills or cut food, but were in a tough situation.
The decision to go to the food bank wasn鈥檛 easy. Like many, Chelsea and Eli didn鈥檛 want to rely on external help.
But when they received their first hamper from the Central Okanagan Food Bank, the relief was immediate.
鈥淚t was such a huge weight lifted off our shoulders to see this box full of food for us,鈥 Chelsea says.
The kids received Snack Packs with afterschool snacks, just like they used to eat before the move.
Chelsea and Eli are grateful for the support they have received from COFB. They know they鈥檙e not alone in this challenging time.
This season, donate to COFBsa国际传媒 Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from December 1st-December 31st. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Chelsea, Eli, and their children.
• Online at
鈥 Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-716
鈥 Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate
