Access to safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right.
Tuesday 20 February is World Day of Social Justice, aimed to help us recognise the many barriers that still prevent millions of people from living a fair life, and the need to create opportunities for all individuals to participate fully in society.
Paul, aged 70, was homeless and living out of his car before he was referred in late 2022 to the Housing and Care Connections (HCC) program, run by for-purpose aged and disability services organisation VMCH.
HCC supports vulnerable older people who do not have family or friends to help them research, apply for and set up support services, like home care and housing. Its particular focus is helping older people on low incomes, or who are at risk of homelessness, to find secure and affordable housing.
People may have language barriers, mental health problems or bad experiences with the social welfare system in the past, which make it harder for them to seek help.
Paul ran a successful boat manufacturing business in Indonesia before COVID hit in 2020. Paul lost his business and moved back to Australia but was later injured in a workplace accident. With no income, he could not afford to live in a private rental and became homeless.
Thankfully, Paul was referred to the HCC program and to dedicated case manager Amy Yuen, who found him transitional accommodation in Rowville, where he’ll live until a more permanent home can be found.
Paul describes Amy as his ‘angel’ and says he’s enjoying the safety and comfort of living in the home and tending to a garden.
Amy—who helps up to 15 people each year find a home—says HCC fills a gap in the system for those who need others to advocate for them.
‘People may have language barriers, mental health problems or bad experiences with the social welfare system in the past, which make it harder for them to seek help,’ she says.
I get a lot of satisfaction in going above and beyond to help people take back control of their lives and improve their quality of living.
This World Day of Social Justice, Amy hopes sharing Paul’s story will help raise awareness of the needs of older, vulnerable people like Paul, who need extra support.
Increasing rental assistance, building more affordable housing for people with additional needs, and simplifying the public/social housing application process would go a long way in supporting older, vulnerable people, Amy says.
‘The system can also be rigid and not take into consideration people’s unique yet important needs. Just because someone lives alone does not mean they will enjoy living in a small, cramped apartment, for example. I get a lot of satisfaction in going above and beyond to help people take back control of their lives and improve their quality of living.’
If you would like more info on the HCC program (cities of Knox and Whitehorse only), call 1300 698 624.
