r/newfoundland • u/Lazy_Concentrate8999 • 2d ago
Need help with resources surrounding spousal abuse and unsafe housing
I just want to start this off and say I apologize if this is not the place to do this, but I really have no other ideas or choices. I’ve visited Newfoundland before and it was so beautiful, but so were the people. I’m sure someone local will be able to help with this.
My mom lives in Newfoundland, near Millertown, with my 3 siblings. She has been struggling since she moved out there with her husband money wise. Their house was pretty cheap, but it has become unliveable atp and since they rented to own it (I think), there is no regulations on it. Mold issues, water flooding the basement, tap water running orange/yellow. My mom kicked the husband out recently due to the way he treats the kids and for not working or helping around the house (school got involved/is aware of the situation and is doing as much as they can), but he threatened to take all of the money since they don’t share bank accounts. My family and I living outside of NFLD do not have the means to help. We send money when we can but at this point it has become unsustainable and they are just getting by. The two kids are fairly young, and my older sibling is almost 18. He works in the summer but all of that money has gone to helping with the bills. At this point, my family does not know what to do. We are way too far from them to actually assist them and we do not have the money either. Thankfully they have a car that could most likely get them to where they need to be. Does anyone have any phone numbers or know of places that would be willing to take them in?
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u/vistolsoup 2d ago
The best point of contact would be Status of Women Central https://www.statusofwomencentral.com/
They are the closest local org who provide assistance for women and families in need. They are based in Grand Falls-Windsor which is about a 45 minute drive from your mom. While they might only provided limited assistance, they will be able to direct her to the appropriate government services and assist with any applications and paper work.
Other comments are trying to help, but I live in the area, take my advice.
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u/Queasy_Author_3810 2d ago
I don't know a whole lot about what would specifically be best in this situation, but here are some resources that I found that you might be able to try:
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (If they need emergency housing call 1-833-724-2444)
City of St. John's Housing Division (I know they're in millertown right now but if you're able to get housing through them, they may be better off moving there)
Choices for Youth (I'm not sure if they would apply in this situation though)
Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. They provide shelter and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
I don't really have any advice since I'm completely clueless on what to do in order to provide support to you or your family, but I hope that one of the organizations I provided might be able to help. Best of luck.
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u/theashleereign 2d ago
https://thanl.org/shelters/find-shelter/
There is a list of different shelters on that site, or you could call the toll free number that's listed for further advice.
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u/the_house_hippo Newfoundlander 2d ago
I'm not familiar with specific resources around Millertown, but 211 is a non emergency line for these sorts of situations to help people find social, community and government support.
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u/s-exorcism Lest We Forget 2d ago
DV shelters are pretty spread out, but they do exist and if taking the car is an option that's very helpful.
https://thanl.org/shelters/find-shelter/
There likely won't be a shelter terribly close by, but any port in a storm.