GVR initiative helps young Tumbler Ridge shooting victim and her family find home near hospital

Maya Gebala, 12, who remains in recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to the head and neck during the Tumber Ridge school shooting in February (photo: GoFundMe).

A housing relief initiative launched earlier this year by Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) is providing a year of rental support to the family of a 12-year-old girl who sustained gunshot wounds in the Tumbler Ridge shooting, allowing them to move into a home near BC Children’s Hospital as she continues her recovery.

GVR’s Community Relief Fund, in partnership with Vancouver law firm Rice Parsons Leoni & Elliott LLP, is covering the family’s rent for the next 12 months.

Maya Gebala was among 27 people injured in the Feb. 10 shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which killed nine people. Her family relocated to Vancouver so she could undergo multiple surgeries at BC Children’s Hospital.

A National Post report from June 1, which included an interview with Gebala’s mother, Cia Edmonds, said the family did not qualify for government benefits and was relying on donations to get by. 

Search for housing

As they searched for a long-term rental near the hospital, the family struggled to find housing they could afford that also met Gebala’s accessibility needs.

According to GVR, they spent their days between the hospital and their family vehicle while trying to remain close to Gebala during her treatment.

Members of the association’s network learned of the family’s circumstances and connected them with the Community Relief Fund, which provides emergency housing assistance to people facing unexpected hardship.

Earlier this month, the family moved into a single-level home in a quiet neighbourhood close to the hospital, making it easier for Gebala to get around as she recovers from her injuries.

“When a family is dealing with circumstances as difficult as those facing Maya and her family, we want to do what we can to ease that burden,” said Jeff King, CEO of GVR. “We’re proud to partner with Rice Parsons Leoni and Elliott LLP on this effort and to make the first funding commitment through the fund.”

Community Relief Fund is covering the first six months of rent, while Rice Parsons Leoni & Elliott LLP is funding the remaining six months. The organizations said they will explore providing additional housing support if Gebala requires medical care in Vancouver beyond the next year.

About the Community Relief Fund

Established earlier this year, GVR’s Community Relief Fund provides more than $200,000 annually to help individuals and families across Canada experiencing housing hardship because of a medical emergency, tragedy or natural disaster.

The fund is supported through small monthly contributions from GVR members. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of GVR staff and member volunteers.

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