Jessica Aylward’s public housing unit is in disrepair, with more patches than paint covering the walls. Numerous plastered mounds now dot the living room and hallway, a result of holes that emerged during a past heat wave. Aylward’s attempt to address the issue by scraping off the paint only revealed more extensive damage, leaving her with a deteriorating living environment.
Despite being on a repair waitlist with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, Aylward has only seen minimal progress. She described the situation as stressful, impacting social activities and family gatherings due to the unsightly and unsafe conditions in her home.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation reported a significant backlog of individuals and families waiting for public housing, with many homes requiring repairs before they can be occupied. Aylward’s own residence suffers from water damage, mold, and crumbling floors, creating a hazardous living environment. She has taken it upon herself to make repairs, spending her own money on supplies such as plaster, mouse traps, and cleaning equipment to manage the deteriorating conditions.
Feeling overwhelmed and neglected by the lack of timely responses from housing authorities, Aylward expressed frustration at the ongoing challenges she faces in getting her home back to a habitable state. Despite the corporation’s allocated budget for maintenance and repairs, individual cases like Aylward’s continue to struggle for attention and resolution, leaving tenants like her in a state of uncertainty and financial strain.