'People don’t realise how expensive it is to be homeless'
- Published:
- 6 December 2024 11:48AM
Kym spent months living in his car with his dogs Uma and Azuma after his lease was unexpectedly not renewed and he couldn’t find a new private rental despite having a good rental history.
'People don’t realise how expensive it is to be homeless,' Kym says. 'I had been paying $325 a week rent, plus costs, but then living in the car, I was spending $300 a week at least on fuel just to keep the air-conditioning going for me and the dogs.
'Not having the ability to always cook means you have to buy takeaway. And not being able to store things – I had food and eskies stolen. When I walked the dogs, people would just ransack the car. And at night, others would bang on your windows so you couldn’t sleep.’
An experienced horticulturalist and conservation land management professional, Kym was left with a permanent spinal injury after a workplace accident and subsequent unsuccessful surgery. Limited mobility and constant pain mean he is unable to work and receives the Disability Support Pension.
Being homeless also cost Kym’s physical and mental health dearly – he could no longer access the Princess Alexandra Pain Management Clinic and it was difficult to attend other medical appointments because there was nowhere safe to leave his dogs or belongings.
Kym says he’d given up hope when RentConnect officer Andrew started visiting him and offering to help. He helped Kym access a bond loan, rental grant and a Rental Security Subsidy to secure the lease on his new home. Kym’s new rental agent, Diane, of Renowned Property Management, was also a great support.
'Reach out, accept help when it’s offered. That’s a big thing. I’m really enjoying it here. I love the community, the little town is amazing – very quiet, very chill – and my neighbours are awesome. I’m beyond thankful,' Kym says.
With renewed stability and a supportive community, Kym and his dogs are finally able to find comfort and joy in their new home. The simple joys of daily life have been transformative for Kym.
'It’s nice being able to wake up, going to let the dogs outside, chatting with the neighbours. It’s been really nice being able to bake again. I love baking. Just little things like that are cool.’
Renters Relief Package
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 and expanding eligibility for bond loans, rental grants and rental subsidies to help people like Kym 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.
