LJ Folden exudes optimism and gratitude now that he has a place to temporarily call home.
Displaced last August when the Bush Creek East wildfire destroyed his rental accommodation in Scotch Creek, the former North Shuswap resident was recently at risk of becoming homeless on April 30, when he was expected to vacate the Sorrento hotel where he’d been staying. After sharing his story with the Observer, offers of support were received and eventually new accommodation was found in Chase.
Folden is one of a number of evacuees lined up for a housing project in Chase that is still under development and may not be completed for another four to six months, leaving them in need of a place to stay in the interim. On disability, Folden said his struggle was finding a place that is wheelchair accessible.
“Somebody has opened up their house for me and I get the top half of the house until this building is built that I can move into permanently,” said Folden in a May 1 interview. “The guy is a contractor so he built a skookum, beautiful little ramp for me. He’s an incredibly thoughtful, considerate guy.”
Folden said he’s also received donated financial support to assist with his rent through the coming months.
“It’s like I’ve been muddling through a very dark tunnel for two years and finally I’ve just burst into daylight,” said Folden. “That’s the difference it’s made in my life. It’s night and day, literally.”
Folden is grateful to everyone who has provided support, especially to Salmon Arm resident Monica Gail Kriese who has been helping him and others in his situation find a housing alternative. Another two are seniors. Kriese said funding was found for them to extend their current accommodation until May 15. One of them may have a 5th wheel lined up to live in afterwards until the Chase development is ready. However, they’re in need of a place to park it over the coming summer months. The other has a property where she could place a camper or trailer, but does not have one.
“If a fifth wheel or camper came up that could be rented for four months, or a cabin, that would be good too. We’re still searching,” said Kriese.
Folden anticipated moving into his new rental accommodation on May 2.
“People are going to show up here in the morning at 9 a.m. to help me load all my stuff in my car and then we go to Chase and they help me unload it all,” said Folden, overwhelmed by his change of fortune.
Anyone with information about potential housing options may contact Kriese at 250-833-6100.
Read more: Evacuated North Shuswap residents at risk of being temporarily homeless
Read more: More than 1,000 North Shuswap properties at risk following wildfire