Welcome to the Margaret Greenfield House in Nanaimo.
The Margaret Greenfield Accessible Housing Project Fund (MGAHPF) was created to show my gratitude to Aunt Margaret’s memory for the help she gave me and for giving me the ability to help others. She was a woman with strong ideals and her beliefs ultimately change my life. Her influence led me to commit to help my peers by choosing a project I knew something about and the feeling that she would think this idea worthy.
I’m a wheelchair user myself, and finding accessible overnight accommodations, or a comfortable rest stop while waiting for daytime appointments, is quite challenging and sometimes impossible. This gave me the idea to open my home for respite and short term lodgings for people with disabilities, their families, and their attendant if needed. A minimum contribution of $40 for an overnight stay to cover expenses will be negotiated on an individual basis. Fees are not charged for day respite although contributions are gratefully accepted.
My home is totally wheelchair friendly. Currently, I live in the house and sleep in the accessible bedroom. I restrict use of the ensuite adapted bathroom for myself. In the future my room will be available to those who need it. In the meantime, I can offer my guest bedroom to a disabled person if they can use it safely. It has a double regular height bed 25” high, dresser, TV, and easy access and turning space. For example: if a family member is waiting for their relative while staying overnight in Nanaimo Hospital they could stay here rather than a hotel or motel. If an attendant is waiting for their employer doing a long day procedure they could do respite here. Each situation will be much more affordable than a hotel or motel booking. The large second bathroom is down the hall and features a standard height 16” toilet with a grab bar and a regular tub/shower with a shower bench. I will not help with your personal care so bring your care aide. There is also a comfortable single cot to use if someone needs it.
The Margaret Greenfield House is home while you’re here. Enjoy yourself!
Be aware: Dogs bark and Hannah purrs. This is pet-friendly territory.
How it Works
The Margaret Greenfield Accessible Housing Project Fund is a Donor Advised Fund member of the Vancity Community Foundation; a registered charity.
Once a year the MGAHPF can donate to a charity of my choice through the Vancity Donor’s program. Presently I plan to donate to Spinal Cord Injury BC and they in turn will steer disabled people to the Margaret Greenfield House to use the services and lodging provided.
People may also choose to contribute to the MGAHP, a self-supporting not for profit accessible housing project.
The contributions and fees for an overnight stay will be used for the room’s share of house expenses ie: utilities, insurance, WiFi, BlueSky TV, Netflix, laundry, cleaning, etc. After paying the bills the balance will be deposited to the MGAHP account at the neighbourhood TD Canada Trust to save and then support other charities with donations at year end. A contingency fund is also set up at the TD bank. Although the MGAHP is unregistered I consider myself non profit as well. All contributions will be used to cover expenses only and not for my personal gain. You can also make a donation directly to the MGAHPF Vancity Community Foundation by completing the enclosed Vancity form. All donations $20 and above will receive a charitable tax receipt.
Welcome to My Home! Exact location will be shared with those who book.
Ken D Anderson
