Dear IM’s
I am desperately writing for some advice to assist a friend who is a carer for her adult daughter and two grandchildren currently awaiting NDIS confirmation.
She has a 24yo daughter with an ID from a brain injury from 10 years prior who is the mother of both young children, a 6yo with ID and ASD and 3yo with ADHD all currently living as a blended family while the children’s father lives with his own parents.
The grandmother shared that they are very likely to be without a home this week after a scheduled VCAT hearing for this Tuesday has been organised by the current landlord (and possibly the real estate) due to falling behind on rental payments which she has been trying to maintain.
They live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne where the eldest grandchild attends a very supportive primary school which is reason why they prefer to stay in the east despite the financial demands.
My question is can anyone please share any recommendations of where she can turn for support and how she is able to keep the family within a home and not fall homeless, even if they have to move from their current residence...??
They have a key/case worker for the children but even they are unable to offer any support to my shock. I’m brainstorming social workers or someone else who can advocate for the family in the VCAT hearing... or in future.
I feel so helpless yet can’t imagine the depth of helplessness she is feeling as a mother and grandmother.
I wish I could assist her a great deal more but I’ve only been able to scrape a small sum of money. As well as send her a few links from the Centrelink page on Crisis payment which I know just isn’t enough.
Please share whatever you know that will assist her.
Please no criticism.
Thanking you.
6 Replies
Possibly looking for a bungalow in the Yarra Valley? Very cheap option for the time being :( also, post this on the Yarra Ranges noticeboard :)
Charities will be their best bet of real help for accommodation and food etc if they become homeless, though I don't think anyone will help them pay the debt. They also need to be realistic, they can't stay in that area if they can't afford to or this will just keep happening. Lots of schools are very supportive of kids with autism now and since he's only 6 a change of schools isn't going to disrupt him too much. A move to an area they can afford easily is what's needed for the long term.
As someone with a son with ID and autism. They have to get realistic. They aren’t doing the kids or themselves any favours by trying to stay in an area they can’t afford. It will cause a lot more instability in the long run, than finding a school in a cheaper area.
Change is hard but unfortunately they’ve backed themselves into a corner now and it’s not going to be change on there terms anymore.
My advice, is start looking into areas they can afford and speaking to school principals. Autism and ADHD Facebook groups can be really helpful in regards to recommendations on schools.
They could also talk to charities like the salvos, and look into NRAS housing.
Yes you could help with money, but until they accept the reality of needing to move to a sustainable area it will just be a short term fix, they will be back in the same position very quickly, each time they end up evicted it will be harder and harder to find landlords to rent to them, and then they will be forced into accepting really terrible housing situations.
If she faces QCAT They don’t kick people out without being a serial non payer.
She needs to speak to Centrelink about the assistance they can provide to help her with the rental payments.
In NSW - NSW housing and other similar government bodies help people rent privately by helping with rent and bond money.
I cannot remember the exact names but there are a few. I’m not sure if it is different in VIC.
If she hasn’t gotten too far behind on rent and pleads her case at the QCAT it is unlikely they will give her a termination under the circumstances. Providing she can pay rent and a small portion of her rent arrears going forward.
You can go with her or even attend on her behalf with a written letter.
Speak to a tenants advice service for more information about QCAT they are free.
And see about getting in touch with government bodies that look after housing assistance.
I wish you all lots of luck and a good outcome
Find the local community centre they help with housing
Contact @ultispro. They're touring worldwide to help cure crisis' like this and bring humanity back to the economy. Very profound and powerful vision.