GoFundMe Raises $2,000 For Couple Swindled Out Of Their New Home
HALIFAX–Joanne Kimm thought she had found a forever home in Spryfield last year, following a move from British Columbia to Halifax. Instead, the home-buying process turned into a costly legal nightmare.
After agreeing to buy a house from a local contractor, Almadina, Kimm lost her new home before construction was even completed.
In late 2021, Almadina cancelled its contract with Kimm and eventually resold the house to someone else, for $100,000 more than what Kimm had agreed to pay.
RELATED: A ‘Fornever’ Home: How A Halifax Couple Lost Their House Before It Was Even Built
Just before Christmas, small claims court gave Kimm and her husband John (also known as Jack) the maximum allowable settlement of $25,000–both for their out-of-pocket expenses (like having to suddenly live in a hotel) and for the lost market value of the house.
But on the same day Kimm received the $25,000 from Almadina, she learned the company was appealing the court’s decision. Months later, Kimm doesn’t know where the case stands in the appeals process, but it’s added stress to her life.
“Having that appeal hanging over us is like a black cloud,” said Kimm.
In January, an even darker cloud appeared in Kimm’s life. John, a retired navy veteran with 22 years of service, was diagnosed with stage four cancer. At a time when the Kimms need to focus on John’s health, the lawsuit appeal is an unwanted distraction.
“It’s almost like going through the stages of grieving,” Kimm explained. “You have your denial, shock, anger. We’re almost at the acceptance stage.”
“[The appeal] adds 100 percent more stress because we’re in limbo with that appeal and we’re trying to focus on my husband’s health.
“Instead of accepting the court’s decision and moving forward, forcing us to relive it all again.”
The Kimm’s are not without support from friends, family, and strangers, however. Not long after Huddle published its first story on the Kimms’ lawsuit, a GoFundMe was created to help with legal expenses.
Katrina Ashton is the woman who started the campaign. She met the Kimms last Christmas when the couple was living out of a hotel. Ashton and her husband delivered them a Christmas meal.
“When Joanne mentioned GoFundMe as a way to get the funds needed to get a lawyer, I was all in,” explained Ashton. “I think unethical people are taking advantage of the housing crunch and didn’t want Joanne and Jack to have to suffer as a result, especially with Jack’s diagnosis.”
At first, the fundraiser quickly stalled after raising just $100 of its $5,000 goal. But after the GoFundMe page was updated with news of John’s diagnosis, it took off.
The campaign is now up to $2,350, with 21 contributions. The most recent individual donation was $330. Five-thousand dollars is the amount of money Kimm estimates the appeals process will cost her, regardless of the outcome.
Kimm expressed her gratitude towards everyone who has donated and offered words of encouragement. It has helped her and her husband feel less alone in a dark time.
“You feel like you’re the only person going through it until you start talking to people. We’re not alone in this battle,” she said.
Huddle made multiple attempts to interview Almadina and the company’s lawyer, but our requests were denied.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].
