Social Housing Tenant Makes The Right Move

After previously living in a three-bedroom house, Mackay social housing tenant Stephen recently had to move to a two-bedroom unit after coming out of hospital.

“I couldn’t get up the stairs at my house so the occupational therapist with Mackay Housing Service Centre found me a ground floor unit in a newly-built complex,” he said.

At first, Stephen was unsure of the move.

“When the move was suggested, I thought that I didn’t want to do it but sometimes you just have to,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the place because it’s so spacious.

“They’re nice units and things are so much easier now because I can do things like washing.

“In my old place it was too hard because of the stairs.

“It’s been a great move and I have no regrets.”

Moving to the unit complex provided a surprising benefit for Stephen.

“My cousin lives in the same unit complex,” he said.

“I didn’t know until we both moved in so that was another positive about the move.”

Having good neighbours is important for Stephen.

“When we moved into the complex, a lady who lives down the road came to see us all and brought us a caramel tart to welcome us to the neighbourhood,” he said.

“She said she had watched the complex being built and wanted to come and welcome us.

“I thought that was very nice.”

With neighbours new and old, Stephen’s maintained solid connections to the people around him.

“I only moved down the street, so I keep in touch with my old neighbours,” he said.

“I still ring them up or I hop on my mobility scooter and visit them for a cup of tea.”

If you need housing help, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68), visit your nearest Housing Service Centre or go to www.qld.gov.au/housing to find out about available products, services and supports.

If you are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24/7).

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Stephen recently moved apartments after coming out of hospital. Photo supplied

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