“I never thought there were so many kind people in the world”

For over 40 years, the Poplar Park Hall was the centre of community life in rural Libau, Manitoba. When it no longer met the community’s needs, it was sold to Jeff and Sylvia Starr.

For the Starrs, who have been living in Winnipeg, it was a great opportunity to live in the country—Libau is located about 40 kilometres north of the city. And it suited Sylvia, who is very allergic to dogs and needed a place where she wouldn’t run into them. Plus, it had room for a garden and a big kitchen that was perfect for her, since she liked cooking.

The old hall needed some repairs, but Jeff, a truck driver, felt he could do that. But nine years ago, he had a stroke that limited his mobility. Suddenly, needed repairs and updating were harder to do. Adding to the challenges, the building’s condition meant they could no longer get insurance.

The couple managed to get by until spring, 2022. That’s the week the area received a tremendous amount of rain that weakened the structure. The roof collapsed, and the dwelling was condemned as unlivable. Jeff and Sylvia had to leave.

Sylvia and Jeff Starr’s old home (formerly the Poplar Park Hall) after damage from heavy rain.

The Starrs received some limited help from the provincial government, but not enough to replace their home. They didn’t know what to do.

Then Darlene Oshanski got involved. Oshanski, who works for Manitoba Health as an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, was part of a group of non-profit organizations called Partners in Disaster that included the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Manitoba Unit.

“The group focuses on unmet and overlooked needs,” she said. “The Starrs fit the bill—they both have disabilities, were uninsured, and had no means to replace their home.”

On the surface, Jeff, 67, and Sylvia, 70, “tried to be strong,” Oshanski said. “But so many things were not in their favour.”

That’s when she had the idea to ask MDS to consider helping the couple.

“It didn’t take long to decide we would help,” said Denis Sabourin, chair of the MDS Manitoba Unit and director for the Libau project.

To him, it was clear the Starrs were good candidates for the organization, which focuses on assisting disaster survivors who are older, have disabilities and lack resources to replace or rebuild their houses.

Plus, the Unit didn’t have much to do locally this year, and volunteers were antsy to do something. “We want to see them in their new home by Christmas,” he said, adding that the cost of replacing their home is being paid for by MDS. “It would be a great Christmas gift.”

For Jeff and Sylvia, it’s all too good to be true.

“When had to move out, we didn’t know what to do next,” said Jeff, who also suffered a heart attack a year ago. “It’s taken some time, but we can see the end of the process . . . there are no words to explain what it means to us.”

“We are so thankful,” said Sylvia, gesturing towards the volunteers working on her house. “I never thought there were so many kind people in the world.”

Sylvia and Jeff Starr (left) with MDS volunteers in front of their new home in Libau, MB.

The MDS Manitoba Unit would to thank the following businesses for their support for this project: Double A Transport Inc.; Blind-Shiners, Custom Blinds and Draperies; Landville Drywall for insulation, poly, drywall and taping; Shedwater Roofing.

John Longhurst, MDS Canada writer