Jack and Carlos

Jack and his dog Carlos had been living in his van for several years. He had no long-term housing since a family breakdown and had been moving regularly between different states in Australia. His daughter told him about the Home At Last service, so he called to find out if we could assist him.

He was finding living in his van was becoming increasingly difficult, as he had just turned 60 years old. He had converted his van to have a bed inside but it was far from suitable long-term living: The van had no fridge and he couldn’t leave the van for long periods as it did not lock securely. There was a very high step to enter which made it very difficult to manage getting in and out with his health and mobility declining, there was no heating or cooling and no insulation, roof leaks so it was damp and became mouldy inside, he could only stand up in parts of it but had no chairs could only sit on his bed, the van did not start so worst of all, Jack couldn’t move it or take it anywhere on the road anymore particularly due to cost of living increases.

Once Jack contacted intake and was assessed as eligible for the service, an outreach worker soon called him to meet and discuss his needs. Jack spoke in detail about his journey in life and the type of housing he will need to improve his declining health. Jack felt stressed about his circumstances and was quite open to any type of housing. He had recently moved into a caravan park where he could live in a safer environment in his van. Outreach staff assisted him with his Victorian Housing Register application for Homeless With Support category as he had been experiencing homelessness for some time now and required safe and appropriate housing. His application was approved and placed on a waitlist, as he had previously lived in the Great Ocean Road and Geelong areas, he preferred to go back there to be close to his family.

His relationship with the manager at the caravan park began to deteriorate as he lived there, and he was soon asked to leave. Jack was immediately assisted with a housing application for a brand new social housing development that had just been completed in Footscray managed by Housing First. He attended the property to view and immediately accepted as his circumstances became more than urgent, he felt like he had no other options. Jack felt somewhat uneasy at first as he was afraid of lifts, however, he felt that he should accept the offer due to his urgent circumstances. A few days of living in this new property, Jack did not feel at home and he began to experience panic attacks due to the height of the building and the lift access – this was not the type of housing he had ever lived in previously. Jack had to relinquish his tenancy with a heavy heart. He could not sacrifice his mental health as he did not feel this was the right home for him in the long-term. Jack moved back into the van temporarily and waited for his next and final housing offer.

Two weeks later, Jack received a housing offer from the Sunshine Housing Office. The housing officer form the local housing office contacted HAAG about a ground floor property in Werribee for Jack and asked if he is still in need for housing. Jack couldn’t believe he had received an offer so soon after his first offer and immediately agreed and quickly agreed to arranged a time to view. He met with the housing officer and upon seeing the property and going inside, Jack said he felt a good energy from the home and he could see both himself and Carlos living there for the rest of their lives.

Jack signed up to the property shortly after and moved in. He was assisted by HAAG to purchase some whitegoods and household items as he only had his personal belongings and had lost his previous furniture over the years due to moving so frequently.

Jack said he was thankful for the help he had from HAAG and the support he received. After moving and settling into his new home with Carlos, he provided a note to his Outreach Worker:

“I am writing to say how appreciative I have been for all that you have done for me and Carlos whilst making the transition into my home. I am so thankful for the opportunity you have given me and all the things that were purchased therein. All this would’ve been impossible for me alone. Acquiring a place at my age was looking more like a dream than a reality. So, it feels like I have been truly blessed. Maybe I have?

I understand that it’s your job, but your energy, politeness, and understanding were noted and very calming for me. That’s an individual thing that made it so much more comfortable for my in my life changing event. And I absolutely love this little unit. I will have it looking like my own in no time. Many thanks to you and the company you work with”.

Jack is looking forward to spending many more years to come in his home with Carlos.