Imagine living comfortably in your rental home for 23 years, only to suddenly face homelessness in the blink of an eye.
When the owner of HART4000 participant Denise’s residence announced that they intended to sell, Denise discovered she was being evicted from the place she had called home for the last 23 years. But amidst this current rental crisis and an increasingly competitive housing market, Denise could not afford to move due to her limited financial means and health issues.
Denise has lived a selfless life, and now at 68 years of age, she continues to give back to her community and works once a month while living on an aged pension. Prior to her eviction, Denise’s mental health had been flourishing, even despite the daily pain she suffers due to her arthritis. However, when she presented to HART4000 in April 2023, Denise’s level of anxiety was at breaking point as she faced the prospect of homelessness. The team got straight to work to urgently find a new home for Denise.
“After living in the same property for 23 years, and then all of a sudden I was informed of the landlord’s decision to sell property, well, my world crumbled and did not know what to do, or which way to turn. One of my darkest hours, and some of the most stressful, daunting, overwhelming days and weeks of my life.
If it wasn’t for Sara and the amazing staff at HART4000, I would be homeless. HART4000 rescued me. They went all out in finding me a future home.”– Denise, HART4000 participant
Denise’s assigned Homelessness Intervention Worker proactively assisted her to attend several private rental inspections and lodge rental applications. However, none of these were successful due to the high volume of applicants and Denise’s dependency on income provided through Centrelink.
But all was not lost. Thanks to the prompt approval of her social housing application by the Department of Housing, and Brisbane Housing Company (BHC)’s acceptance of HART4000’s referral, Denise successfully secured a unit at BHC’s new block of social housing units in Mount Gravatt. Denise is ecstatic to have found a comfortable new home and a warm, welcoming new community to become a part of.
“HART4000 to the rescue. They had my back, they listened to my woes, wiped my tears.
I will be forever grateful to this amazing organisation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”– Denise, HART4000 participant
Have you unexpectedly fallen on hard times, and urgently need support to navigate your housing situation? Call HART4000 on (07) 3004 0100 – our team are here to help.