Housing stress

[Coco-star]

I'm not sure if this is where I should post this. So I'm having trouble figuring out next steps. Housing has been a nightmare for me and alot of other people. I have ended up in another home where I am being used up in exchange for rent. I have lvl2 autism and ADHD and feel unseen from my landlord house mate and have been having trouble living in this house as it's run as a business. I have kept the house so tidy and clean at all times for my landlord especially while she is away on holidays. I am starting to feel used and I want to move out with my friend who is also autistic and I've lived with him before and we work well together. I just have no money and am struggling to find work where I have landed. It's in a tiny rural town. I feel so stuck and frustrated at repeating a pattern again. I have no savings and no one that can loan me money. I'm out of bankruptcy start of Feb 2025. But even that won't help. Can anyone relate to this or have any advice on clear steps out of this situation I'm in. I've tried to keep this short too and haven't explained everything but I came back from Christmas and she let her nieces stay in my room and it got trashed and I think they went through my stuff. They had their clothes in my drawers which has clothes in it already. It was pretty awful feeling.  I feel hopeless at this game of life.

[tyme]

Awww @Coco-star , I'm so sorry to hear how housing stress is affecting your mental health. A 'home' is a place of safety and refuge - I can see how coming home to all your think getting ransacked and disrespected can be so triggering. 

I'm not sure which state you reside, but there are some services who can pay your bond. At the same time, I can see being in bankruptcy can affect whether you can get a property.

Have you reached out to housing services in the past? Are you able to work with your friend to find a suitable property?

[Alisse]

Hi @Coco-star 

Welcome to the forums.

This is a safe and supportive space to share your challenges, and there’s always someone here to listen with care, understanding, and without judgment.

I’m so sorry to hear about the housing issues you’re experiencing and the way your landlord is taking advantage of you. That is completely unacceptable, and it’s no surprise you’re looking for a more stable and supportive place to call home.

Stable housing is a basic human right, and the current housing crisis is placing enormous stress on vulnerable members of our community. Many people are being forced into difficult situations, such as staying in unsafe environments, moving away from their support networks in search of affordability, or enduring unsuitable accommodations due to fears of homelessness.

However, there are services and resources available that may be able to help you.

I’m based in a small country town in NSW and work with St. Vincent de Paul, where we’ve supported many people in need by helping with bond payments, rent in advance, furnishing homes, and connecting them with crisis housing services.

I encourage you to reach out to your local Neighbourhood or Community Centre, charity, or faith-based organisation for assistance.

Additionally, you may want to explore the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) for financial support.

These loans are offered by organisations such as Mission Australia, St. Vincent de Paul, Good Shepherd, and The Salvation Army.

If you’re in NSW, you can also apply through Service NSW:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/find-a-no-interest-loans-scheme-nils-provider

If you are receiving a Centrelink payment, you can apply for an advance payment. 

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/advance-payment

I understand how overwhelming this must be for you, especially while managing mental health challenges. A safe and stable home is essential for your well-being, and I really hope you can find the support you need to create that for yourself.

Take care, Kindly
Alisse

[tyme]

How's everything going @Coco-star ?

[tyme]

@Alisse , thank you for sharing! That's so helpful to know!

[Coco-star]

Thank you for your help and advice it is much appreciated, I am still persevering as I don’t want to be homeless again. Thank you again for empathy and understanding

[Coco-star]

I had my support worker today come take me out and I’m still keen to move on from here but I don’t want to burn the bridge so just taking it slow this time. I feel a bit more stable today but stuck at home a lot, I have been in worse situations but I know I’m kind of just here because I’m useful to the owner.

[Coco-star]

Thank you Alisse for your care and concern. I will have a look into those resources. I think if I get kicked out this week I’ll contact Vinnies to see if they can help. I just want to go back to qld and live in my home state. I’ve been priced out and I lost my main support network there.

[Alisse]

Hi @Coco-star 

How are things going for you? I hope you have had a better week and there are positive things happening for you.

Kindly Alisse

[Coco-star]

Hi @Alisse, it has been a really weird muddy week. Still a bit fed up here but holding on, I know I need to change living situation, I just don't know where or how. How are you doing?