A permanent home for Christmas
December 21, 2023
A young man and his grandmother will spend their first Christmas in a permanent home thanks to a close working relationship between Anglicare and Tasmania’s statutory housing authority, Homes Tasmania.
Now in her early 70s, Pauline has cared for her grandson Jacob, nearly 21, since he was a baby. He calls her ‘Mum’ and the pair have been inseparable despite the pressures of traumatic events, ill health, unstable accommodation and homelessness.
Pauline (pictured above) and Jacob were supported by Anglicare in emergency accommodation for nine months before learning in November that their application for a two-bedroom unit had been approved by Homes Tasmania. The Anglicare team knew that they would make excellent tenants as the temporary accommodation was kept absolutely spotless, and Pauline passed every inspection with flying colours.
Pauline enjoys walking for exercise. Her unit is in close proximity to a large shopping centre and riverside paths. The knowledge that her new home is permanent has taken a weight off her shoulders and the house already feels like a home.
“I’ve been through the mill and back, but I feel like I’ve been in this place forever,” Pauline says.
“I feel like our luck is changing. I’m proud of Anglicare – I wouldn’t know what to do without them. They helped pick me up out of the gutter when I was homeless. We’ve got a long way to go but it’s a fresh start for us. Jacob and I are a package and we will always support each other.”
Jacob speaks very highly of Anglicare support worker, Ben:
“Ben’s always working hard for us. I give him 200% credit. He motivates us all the time – he’s always on the go,” he said.
“I’ve been waiting for this for all of my life.”
Anyone experiencing homelessness or who feel they are at risk of homelessness, is encouraged to contact Housing Connect on telephone 1800 800 588.
You can find more about Anglicare’s supported accommodation offerings on this website page.
Visit the Homes Tasmania website for more stories about Tasmanians’ experience of housing.
