Home at Last

Bev, a 59-year-old woman, had been living in a cottage in Murrindindi but had to move out due to the property being sold. Our regional support worker met Bev at the local library to complete a housing application.

Fred*, a 69 year old man, was referred to us from a homeless service as he had fallen into serious rent arrears and was at risk of becoming homeless. Fred had spent all his superannuation on palliative care and other medical expenses for his wife, and when she died he could no longer afford the rent.

Peter* was living in a caravan park in North Central Victoria. Neal*, the caravan park manager, had initiated a dispute when he discovered Peter, who was estranged from his family, didn’t have a will.

Kayleen, a 55-year-old Yorta Yorta Aboriginal woman, was given HAAG’s number by a friend to talk about her housing needs.

In March 2024, 84-year-old Daryl attended Cobram Community House alongside his daughter and son-in-law, seeking advice regarding his housing. Daryl had been privately renting a farmhouse for the past 25 years. However, he was approached by the landlord who informed him that the property has been sold to the landlord’s grandson and Daryl would need to find somewhere else to live.

Arthur*, aged in his 90’s, suffered a heart attack after receiving a rent increase notice. He and his partner had been living in the same rental property for 30 years, where the rent was increased by only small amounts every few years. After the property was sold, the new owner increased the rent to an amount more than the combined pensions of the couple.

Hulya, 59, was one of 13 clients we securely housed in a brand new housing project in Pascoe Vale.

Judi, a woman in her mid-70s, was referred to care finder by a Community Mental Health nurse for urgent housing instability, financial hardship and declining mental health. Previously managing private rental cost of $490 per week through part-time work as a mental health nurse, Judi became unable to work following a severe injury involving a fall a hip fracture.