“I came to Canada as a refugee, after losing my family and everything I held near and dear. My sponsors were incredible, they took me in, helped me find a basement and a job.
Although the landlords were great at first, they started getting more and more forceful in preaching their religion while questioning Islam and why I should leave it. They tried to convince me that Islam is oppressive and bad, and that I shouldn’t wear my hijab anymore because I’m in Canada.
When I resisted, politely, they became more and more aggressive. They turned off the electricity and hot water, only turning them back on when my sponsors intervened.
Then they went as far as throwing their garbage in my unit, entering whenever they wanted and even going through my belongings.
There were nights I would stay up, too afraid to go to sleep because of what else they might do.
I was frantically looking for another place to rent but it was just impossible! Although I had a full-time job, it was only minimum wage, so I could barely afford rent!
One day when they physically blocked me from entering the unit, I knew I had to leave.
Thankfully, I had heard of Nisa Homes, so I decided to go there. Although I knew they couldn’t just kick me out, my landlords made living there a nightmare and it wasn’t worth the fight for me.
Alhumdulillah, I regained my safety and sanity at Nisa Homes. The caseworkers at Nisa Homes help me find an incredible place to rent with a wonderful Muslim family!”
*This story is based on a real Nisa Homes’ client. However, details and names have been changed to protect identities of all involved.
