Hardship to hope

Published: 

6 December 2024 3:53PM

‘It’s not just a career for these people, it’s a passion to help.’

Clifford has had to move twice due to the sale of rental properties, and finding a new, affordable home has become more and more difficult. He applied for more than 30 properties before his local RentConnect team helped him into a rental property with a Bond Loan and later with a Rental Security Subsidy when the rent was raised.

‘I was a hard worker in the past – I had my own lawnmowing business, until my health deteriorated to the point where I can no longer work or drive,’ Clifford says.

‘Being a single man on disability support with 2 service dogs, I’m way down the bottom of the list when it comes to renting. Without the help of my animals, I wouldn’t be here.’

Fish, frogs and shrimps are not the easiest pets to move from house to house but Clifford wouldn’t dream of giving up his passion.

‘I love fish. I’ve got mollies, guppies, bandies, 3 different kinds of goldfish, yellow and red snails, and I breed all the pet store’s red-cherry shrimp, yellow and blue shrimp,’ he says. ‘I’ve got giant fish tanks with the whole set-up. It’s all very self-sufficient.’

Clifford breeds a variety of fish, snails, shrimp and frogs, and growing water plants for the local pet shop. Under this arrangement, Clifford receives store credit, which he uses to buy food, medicine and supplies for all his animals, including his service dogs Axel, now retired at 7, and Cleo, who is still in training.

Clifford says he’s 'beyond happy' with the ongoing support provided by the team at his local Housing Service Centre, which has included referrals to financial services and help registering for social housing.

Tackling the cost of living

As part of our Homes for Queenslanders plan, we're delivering a $160 million Renters Relief Package to help tackle the cost of living.

We're also doubling our team of RentConnect officers across the state to help people like Clifford access these services.

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.