Hello!

I am a 30 year old woman living in Ontario, Canada. I graduated 3 years ago from the University of Toronto-OISE, obtaining a Bachelor of Education to teach in elementary school.

While our education here is not quite as costly as in the United States, my 5 years living in Toronto attending college/university to become a teacher involved upwards of $100,000 in student debt. I have beaten a significant amount of my debt down in the past 3 years ($15,000); however, between rental costs for my current home ($2400/month after utilities) and loan payments, it is impossible to advance in life.

I know that I am not the only one in this situation. The cost of living in 2018 is astronomical for everybody, but what makes my story unique is that I am a (relatively) new Mom (my baby is 13 months old), and with my boyfriend (someday when money is more readily available, husband) and a step-mother to 4 children (aged 3, 7, 13, and 16). The two oldest, our boys, live with us full-time, as custody was given to their dad when they were quite young. We receive no child support from their mother to help us with their upraising. My two step-daughters live with their mom “full-time”, but we have them with us for 10 full days/month, every other week in the summer, and pay their mother child support every month.

Right away, simple math will tell you that we’re struggling here.

Have you personally had two feed two teenage boys? They eat A LOT, but I digress.

On top of all this, my boyfriend is completing his college degree to become a millwright this year, and as he is exceptionally busy between his studies and parenting, he is not working. I have just returned to work after a year of maternity leave from a non-profit organization (there is a surplus of teachers in Ontario, and I cannot find employment in my field), and make under $30,000 CAD a year. It is impossible for us to move forward as there is no money to put aside and save for a home.

We desperately need help, and our family can’t help us.

We would be especially grateful for any help you might be able to provide to us.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
The McQuaids