Client Stories

Flood Evacuee Finds Support through SEED

Shannon Letendre is originally from Dauphin River, Manitoba. In 2011, the First Nation’s community where she lived was severely affected by flooding. Shannon moved to Winnipeg as an evacuee with her family. Though they have remained in Winnipeg since, they hope
to return home soon. “Life was so much different…different environment, nature, air, relationships,” recalls Shannon.

It was really challenging being displaced from their homes and housed in hotels. Many evacuees are experiencing depression and Shannon is not excluded. “My grandparents built their business throughout their whole life, and now it’s totally gone. It was very hard for me
and my family to deal with this loss.”

People here are so supportive in trying to help us with what we need; it was an awesome experience.

Shannon heard about SEED from her grandmother, who heard about it from the Red Cross. “Over time, I brought other family members there that needed assistance.” Throughout numerous visits to SEED, Shannon and her family received support with filing their income
taxes and applying for disability-related benefits.

When asked about her experience with SEED, Shannon says “I loved it. People here are so supportive in trying to help us with what we need; it was an awesome experience.”