Linda Sepp is evicted from her home this morning, spending nite in car

Posted on May 04, 2010 by Susie Collins in Blog, Disability Rights, Linda Sepp, MCS, Susie Collins

The day Linda Sepp had dreaded arrived with a knock at the door this morning.

Linda Sepp

The Star reports on Canary Report contributor Linda Sepp‘s eviction, which took place at 10:00 a.m this morning. I believe it’s a fairly accurate report on the events that transpired.

Toxic dilemma: Landlord, non-profit centre attempt to find replacement home for woman with chemical sensitivity, but without success.

The 50-year-old woman with chemical sensitivities was roused from her sleep by enforcement officers from the sheriff’s office. After a four-year eviction battle, they had come to throw her out of her High Park apartment.

Four enforcement officers dressed in white haz-mat coveralls and face masks — meant to keep Sepp safe from them should they have worn cologne or washed their hair with strong shampoo — hauled the woman’s possessions onto the front porch. From there, her 82-year-old father lugged bags and boxes down a flight of steps to her car.

“I’m beyond panicked. I’m blank. I’m numb,” said Sepp, who has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a condition that causes rashes, headaches and burning sensations when she is exposed to chemicals in the environment.

[..]

She considered spending the night under the trees in High Park but changed her mind when it started to rain.

Instead, she has opted to camp out in her car in the dusty parking lot of a Buddhist temple in the west end.

Even though it’s beside a mound of garbage bags and a construction site, she says it’s the lesser of many evils.

“I don’t have anywhere to go. I’m just at a loss.”

Click here for full report at The Star.

Click here for other stories on Linda’s housing situation.

Click here for Linda’s blog.

5/5 UPDATE: Last night, it was decided that staying in her car was not safe, so Linda slept on the balcony of her father’s condo.

5/6 UPDATE: Reported in Health Zone: Woman with chemical sensitivities camps out on condo balcony.

5/7 UPDATE, FROM LINDA: Mini update – I’ve just talked with MP Gerard Kennedy and he is genuinely looking for more help and ways to resolve this mess. I love you all!

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Please sign Italian petition for recognition of Multiple Chemcial Sensitivity Please sign this petition for the recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Italy....
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Tags: Law, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Support

19 Responses to “Linda Sepp is evicted from her home this morning, spending nite in car”

Steph

04. May, 2010

I’m not beyond panicked yet. I’m not blank or numb yet. I’m outraged and wondering what else we can do for Linda!

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Keith Carlson

04. May, 2010

This is an MCS tragedy, and we all feel helpless as Linda loses her home. MCS homelessness is all too common…

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Kate

04. May, 2010

I too am feeling at a loss an wish we could help. Her daughter is posting updates on the situation on her Facebook page. What a horrible situation.

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Harry

04. May, 2010

Outrageous treatment of a disabled person. Thoughts are with you Linda and all your supporters.

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Eva Caballe

04. May, 2010

This is so terrible and heartbreaking! I’m so sorry that I haven’t words to express my feelings! My thoughts are with you Linda.

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Karen

04. May, 2010

I am too angry with the so called system to think straight. This is so appalling, is this how we treat human beings in this day and age. We injure them for profit then kick them out into the streets when the experts can’t fix them. Shame on the Governments, shame.

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Elena del Castillo

05. May, 2010

Where Linda lives ? We could send massive messages to the Town Hall and mass media of her city requesting an appropiated solution to Linda. I think we have to do something to help Linda, now!!
hace unos segundos ·

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- Susie Collins
  
  05. May, 2010
  
  Elena, Linda’s story has been covered many times in the Toronto media, including the story above about Tuesday’s eviction. All elected officials in the area were notified many times– some tried to help, unsuccessfully.
  
  Reply to this comment
Susie Collins

05. May, 2010

Linda still has people in close touch with her, trying to help. She’s in close contact with her environmental physician, just saw her on Monday and had more blood drawn for tests. And Linda’s daughter is in close contact with her, too. Please note in the article that Toronto Community Housing is trying to find her a place. The apartment shown Linda by TCH on Tues was not properly prepared for someone with MCS, that may be remedied if Linda is willing to take the risk and work with them. She has a lot of people trying to help, the problem is in finding the nontoxic solution acceptable to Linda.

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Connie Rae

05. May, 2010

Linda does not want people to feel hopeless for her. Though we are sad for her, and feel helpless, there is still much we can do. Prayer and living our lives, making good choices for our own selves it important.
Today, I posted a message on my FB suggesting people use Harry’s information to check out their own shelters, emergency plans and hospital policies.
I also think talking to our own religious and community charity groups right now will help people to become aware of us.
Linda has chosen to use her dilemma publicly to educate. Let’s keep the momentum going in our areas…safe, chemically clean, oasis areas in each major toxic place so people like Linda (like me, like you) can go to think, regroup, repair.
Linda has given us a wonderful opportunity to do something. Even if you only have strength for a good thought, or prayer…our cries are heard by the God of LOVE..Creator…
Linda has chosen to hold out for a safe, non-toxic place. By doing this, not only does she have a better chance for gaining her strength back, she is also breaking new ground for the next MCS person that needs safe accomodation. IT is possible.
HUGS and HOPEs

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dan ross

05. May, 2010

my prayers are with you linda. its scary because this will probably happen to many of us with mcs. im speechless

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Amy

05. May, 2010

Linda, been sending a lot of love and healing energy your way. My prayers are with you.

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Lourdes Salvador

05. May, 2010

Thank you for posting this Susie.

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mokihana

05. May, 2010

Blessings and prayers of divine goodness go to our friend, dear Linda. The work is hard, the need real. Take care where you are, and know love surrounds you.

Aloha, Mokihana

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Susie Collins

05. May, 2010

Update: Last night it was decided that staying in her car was not safe, and so she slept on the balcony of her father’s condo.

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deborah

05. May, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Linda. It is so heartbreaking to know all that she has been through. I feel for her family also who must be devastated and feeling helpless as well.
I know there was a woman in Kingston who was homeless a few years ago and a safe home was found for her. A church set up a fund so money could be directed to pay the difference in her rent.
Again Linda, my heart and prayers go out to you. May you find a safe home soon.

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MAGGIE ROBERTSON

06. May, 2010

Hi Linda

Let me know if I can bring organic lentil salad or anything else made from organic ingredients from Karma Coop (or somewhere else if you wish). Lots of love to you !!!

Maggie Robertson
maggier@295.ca

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celia

06. May, 2010

continuing to pray for Linda–

not giving up hope–

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Susie Collins

07. May, 2010

Update on Linda’s story reported in Health Zone:

Woman with chemical sensitivities camps out on condo balcony

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/805212–woman-with-chemical-sensitivities-camps-out-on-condo-balcony

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