We asked people to send us their story (using the hashtag #housingheroes) if they knew of a person or organization helping people find affordable housing and/or eliminating homelessness in Brampton and Mississauga.

Pamela Shirakawa, of Mississauga, told us about a new website she has created for seniors who are looking for other seniors to share housing with.

That story resulted in an email from a member of the public informing us about a new Facebook group called Senior Ladies Living Together (SLLT), which aims to help senior women in Mississauga and Brampton find affordable rental housing.

Pat Dunn, of Peterborough, started the Facebook group in February, after her husband died.

Facing a precarious financial and housing situation, compounded by the loss of her husband, Dunn said she was always attracted to community living and thought that other women in a similar situation might be interested in finding compatible home-mates who would be interested in renting a home together.

When Dunn started the Facebook group in February, she wasn’t sure about the kind of response she would get. By the end of the first week, she had 58 members just from the Peterborough area.

At last count, Dunn said the group has 1,500 members from all over Ontario, with many women joining from Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto — where rents are “ridiculously” high.

“It was just phenomenal,” said Dunn, referring to the number of Facebook members. “There is an enormous need for housing.”

Dunn describes SLLT as a place to discuss the option of shared-renal accommodation as a way to help us have more financial freedom, as well as increasing our social interaction.

The group does not discuss accommodation that requires capital investment or purchase such as co-housing, or tiny homes. Dunn said they are exclusively focused on rental accommodation and there is a whole program for new members that helps them understand the group.