A fresh start

Published: 

6 December 2024 11:57AM

'Our new home is absolutely stunning, things are looking so much better. Honestly, I’ve never been able to feel more relaxed.'

Single mum Tanika says that their new social home is more than a secure roof over her family’s heads – it represents a fresh start and brighter future.

'My daughter is excited about school again for the first time in ages, and my little boy can ride his bike and play ball safely in the yard,’ Tanika says.

Tanika and her 2 children moved to Queensland to be closer to family. For the first 3 months, they lived in motels with the help of local homelessness support service HART4000. This service is provided by Communify Queensland and funded by the Queensland Government. During that time, Tanika says she must have applied for 'easily more than 100 rentals'.

Jade, a local Housing Service Centre officer, was able to help Tanika find longer-term housing.

'Signing up for RentConnect with Jade helped me secure a Helping Hand Headlease for a year. But I’m on a limited income, I couldn’t find work and didn’t have the room to bring in a housemate to help with the rent going forward. Then we were offered this beautiful house,' Tanika says.

'Jade was just amazing and reassuring, calling up to make sure I was OK. I feel like I have support for the first time in forever. I’m very thankful.'

Tanika’s family is settling in well at their new home.

'We can walk to my daughter’s school, the nearest shops are a 20-minute walk away and there’s quite a few parks nearby for my son to play in. We’re going to put in veggie patches for me and my little helper.’

Innovative solutions

Tanika’s current social home was 1 of 5 houses that were repurposed and relocated for social housing, rather than being demolished for the Logan rail upgrade.

As part of our Homes for Queenslanders plan, we’re committed to exploring new ways to create more social housing for Queenslanders in need.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.