Tracey and Jim Griffin have dedicated their senior lives to ensuring those struggling to get by don't go hungry.
The Vernon couple have been offering home-cooked meals to people on the streets, packed up and served downtown once a week, for several years now.
But now, once again since being in Vernon for five years, their rental has fallen through and they need a new place to live.
"This is the third time in five years," said Tracey. "Every time it has been because the properties have been sold."
With just the two of them, and their teacup Chihuahua, they are again struggling to find anything. They need a minimum single bedroom within their $1,400 budget as both are on disability.
"It is so hard to find a place these days. Almost everything out there is so over priced and not in our price range," she said, adding they have excellent references.
Meeting with homeless people weekly, Tracey says since COVID a lot of people have ended up without a home.
"There are even working people that are living in their cars or on the street because affordable housing can not be found. They come to us for meals, etc. It's rough and heartbreaking to be honest with you.
"We do our best to help everyone out there that needs help but I'm afraid we might be in that boat too. And we cant help them if we can't help ourselves."
Unfortunately, if they can't find an affordable place to rent, that weekly support many who have to rely on will end.
"That's the last thing we want," said Tracey, who has even been reaching out to see if there some people willing to continue the meals if they are forced to relocate to a different community.
Last year they served 2,629 meals one day a week and so far this year they have served 1,427 meals on Sundays and 643 meals on Wednesdays
"We are only halfway through the year and have done more than half of all of last year."
Anyone who might have a lead on a rental or is willing to help can contact Tracey Facebook or by calling 250-307-2221.
