On midnight, Monday the 30th March 2020, Stage Three restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19, started in Victoria. Victorians were given a clear and simple message: “Stay home to Protect Yourself and the Victorian Health Care System”. For homeless people, this order to stay home, was almost impossible to adhere too.
Hi my name is Jo. In 2012 I had an open heart surgery. When I recovered I got a job as a bus driver. But I couldn't concentrate so I had to quit. I was unemployed for a while and became very depressed and went into anxiety and was mentally disturbed. My marriage wasn't working and its was really tense in the house I was renting my eldest son’s house and he kicked me out.
Jey is a 57 year old woman from China. She dropped in to our service in May 2019. During the intake assessment, we communicated through a mandarin interpreter via the VITS services. At the time of the drop-in she was couch-surfing at a friend’s house, who had then asked her to leave as she could not keep assisting her any further.
Franco and Joyce, a couple in their late fifties, were referred to Home At Last for housing assistance after receiving 60 days Notice to vacate from their land lord.
Jimmy is in his 80’s. He lived in a rundown caravan park for 30 years in a freezing/boiling caravan, traipsing to the communal toilet every night, until finally being forced out when the park was being 'upgraded' to 'boutique living'.
Vanessa became homeless after she returned to Melbourne from overseas where she had gone to look after three ill family members. Once back in Melbourne Vanessa could not find work or housing and was startled at how much rents had increased in the time she was away. Vanessa couldn't find employment due to her age, and couldn't get a lease on Newstart Allowance.
HAAG worker Paola Posso's recounts her story of working with Elsa and Jacinto to get out of private rental and into public housing while receiving palliative care for terminal cancer.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."