'She was life-saving'
- Published:
- 6 December 2024 3:08PM
When Rachel went to the emergency department, she was seeking help for extreme stomach pain. That pain turned out to be unexpected, early labour.
She had previously been told by doctors that, because of her polycystic ovarian syndrome, she wouldn’t be able to have children. Her son Xavier’s premature birth resulted in some complications, and he also has Down’s Syndrome.
Less than a month later, Rachel was still in shock at being a mum when her lease was not renewed and she was unable to find another rental property.
That’s when she turned to the Chermside Housing Service Centre. The HSC had helped Rachel in the past with rental arrears when she was in hospital and unable to work.
A RentConnect officer, Karen, helped Rachel secure a 2-bedroom unit in Windsor that was close to the health services that Xavier needed.
RentConnect helps people find and secure a tenancy if they’re struggling to access the private rental market due to non-financial barriers. Grants are also available to help with rental arrears and other short-term financial barriers to maintaining a tenancy.
'Karen was amazing. I cannot speak highly enough of her. She bent over backwards for us,' Rachel said.
'This place is beautiful, it’s practically new inside, it’s secure,' Rachel said. 'I’ve got nothing to complain about.
'Xavier is the cruisiest, happiest baby. And I still sometimes go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe he’s here.’
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 to help people like Rachel 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.
