Paul’s ‘serendipitous’ housing help

Published: 

25 August 2021 1:30PM

Paul says a string of opportune moments, along with support from the department and other services, helped lead him to where he is today – living in his own place, with a good job and hope for the future.

In early 2020, Paul was living in temporary accommodation when he suddenly found himself without a place to live.

“With no notice, it was time for me to move on,” he said. “I thought, oh my god, what am I going to do?”

The day after he got this news, he got a call from the department saying his application for housing had been approved.

“They came to the rescue, it was a miracle,” he says. “It was so serendipitous.”

The department placed Paul in temporary hotel accommodation with support, a move which he says was an important steppingstone towards improving his situation.

“The place was great,” he says. “I received three meals and had the necessities – a roof over my head and food on my table.”

Paul made the most of the opportunity, taking advantage of the support services available to get him back on track, such as goal setting, using Mission Australia’s services and working on a plan to move into his own place.

“I started a daily gratitude list which I’ve written every day since. I added all my support workers to the list as they all helped along the way. While I was there, I learned not to take things for granted.”

Paul wanted to give back to the community so decided to ride his bike to raise money for children with cancer.

A month before the ride his bike was stolen. In another serendipitous moment, he found it shortly afterwards at a Cash Converters store.

He got his bike back and raised over $1,200, riding 451 kilometres for the Kids for Cancer bike ride.

On his return, Paul secured a new home through a community housing head leasing program, supported by Bric Housing.

“I’ve got my energy back,” Paul says.

“My new place is a good size, and in a good location.”

“I don’t have a vehicle, so I ride to the shops, it’s fantastic.”

Having a stable home with appropriate supports in place helped Paul secure a job, and he’s now working 6 days a week.

He’s making his home his own by doing some light renovating and revamping the garden. He’s also made friends with his neighbours, helping them out in various ways.

Paul’s gratitude extends to all who were part of his journey along the way.

“It’s just incredible. If you have a roof over your head, everything else stems from knowing where you’re sleeping tonight. Now I’m a better version of me.”

Queensland’s homelessness response recognises that stable, sustainable, affordable, longer-term housing combined with appropriate supports is critical to helping people to stay in their homes, achieve improved whole-of-life outcomes and reduce demands on government services.

Our actions in the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025, recognise that responding to housing need and moving towards ending homelessness are shared objectives across the community and government at all levels.

Find out more about how we help Queenslanders who need access to housing.