23 Years in Waiting

Pelulale Fitu was 68 years old and was referred to our service for housing assistance by the Office of Housing, Sunshine. At the time of referral Pelulale had been on the public housing waiting list for 23 years.

Pelulale was living in a bungalow at the rear of a family member’s home, He had been there for many years but as his health was beginning to fade this accommodation was becoming increasingly unsuitable, it was also too far from his medical services and the situation was negatively impacting on his health.

Due to his age, low income and health issues, notably requirement of a hip replacement, it was difficult for Pelulable to find alternative housing without any support. Our outreach service started working with Pelulable in September 2016 and we are pleased to say he moved into his new home in November 2016, here are some of his comments on his journey to long term housing.

What was it like for you living in the bungalow?

When I lived in the bungalow I was always worried about what was going to happen to me if my family were forced to move from their private rental accommodation. I was also worried that I might be impacting on my son and daughter in law’s relationship, whilst it is a cultural practice in Samoa to have generations living together it isn’t in Australia and I wanted to respect my children’s relationship by giving them space without me. This worry led to a lot of health problems and I was always at the Doctor’s, almost certainly once a week but often twice. Since moving my health has improved dramatically, so much so I haven’t had the need to go to the Doctor’s in over two months.

What does having secure housing mean?

Having my new home means I can finally settle and never have to worry about being forced to move on again. It also means being charged a reasonable rent that I am able to pay from my pension. As I am getting older, being independent is very important to me and for the first time in my life I have a place on my own where I am in complete control of my life. Being securely housed is a wonderful feeling of freedom.

What was the hardest thing to deal with?

My family and I came from Samoa to Australia in 1993. At first getting a private rental place was not too hard because I was always able to find work. Then the down turn in employment happened and this forced us to move many times. Each time seemed to get worse in terms of more expensive rent, and the properties were always in poor condition. During this time my health also deteriorated to the point that I could no longer work and in 2009 we were eventually evicted. The eviction led to me being black listed by landlords, and my son and I were forced to live in all kinds of unsafe and insecure situations, This was just terrible and it affected me very badly. When I first came to Australia I was advised to apply for a Ministry of Housing property and every year I would check in with them to see if they had anything for me, They always said no and that I would just have to keep waiting.

How do you feel now?

I am so very happy here, every day I breathe easier. Since coming from Samoa in 1993, this is the first time I have had a permanent home on my own. Living here means I don’t have any more worries. I love the unit, it is very modern, clean and the rooms are very spacious. The estate is very quiet and close to public transport and shops. My neighbors are all friendly and everyone looks out for each other, I couldn’t have wished for anything better.

What would you say to someone else in your situation?

I see many people at my local shopping center who don’t have anywhere to go so I now hand out the Home at Last brochures and tell them to get in touch as help is available. When I talk to people about their situation they don’t believe there is help out there but I tell them I was on the public housing waiting list for 23 years and finally with help I was housed. Hopefully they take my advice and Home at Last get more and more calls!

"Thank you for everything, having a home of my own has been life changing, the only thing I have to worry about here is what tomorrow’s weather will be like."