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.
Mr and Mrs Armstrong* live in a for-profit retirement residential park (aka ‘lifestyle’ village) located in a rural area outside of Melbourne. Mr Armstrong called up for assistance in requesting that village management complete repairs to their property.
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.