Turning point for family in crisis
Cathy and Russell Meyer * felt as though they were living the dream. Blessed with five children under the age of seven, life was happily chaotic.
With four of their children living with disability, their beloved therapy pets made all the difference. Unexpectedly, Cathy and Russell received notice that their rental lease would not be renewed. The couple applied for more than 200 rental properties without success –around 40 families were often competing for the same home. With no friends or family to fall back on, eventually they were left homeless. They sold their furniture, bought a tent, sleeping bags and air beds, and moved the family to a caravan park. The first couple of nights were an adventure for the children, but the novelty soon wore off. Tensions slowly built. The living space was crammed. The children missed their toys. The two eldest children began to fight. They missed their friends and didn’t understand their living arrangement. Before long, a wild dust storm and heavy rain saw the caravan park become a muddy mess. There was no way to keep the tent clean.
Together in their own Turning Point home with their therapy pets and receiving financial counselling, the family slowly recovered. Three months later, they secured their own private rental. The family are now planning a move to rural South Australia where Russell has secured permanent employment and a house with a huge yard for the therapy pets. “I don’t know where our family would be today if we hadn’t been helped by AnglicareSA. I’m certain I would have lost my husband and even my kids,” Cathy said. Historically, families like Cathy and Russell’s have been forced to live in emergency motel accommodation where there are no cooking or washing facilities, pets are prohibited, and families are forced to share beds. This is what makes Turning Point a unique support service in South Australia. * Names and identities have been changed to protect privacy.
The children’s school shoes were ruined. The true state of their finances hit home when they couldn’t even afford to buy new school shoes. Russell, who had always seen himself as the family breadwinner, was crushed by their financial struggles. Without warning, he went missing late one night – later found in hospital. He had checked himself in after breaking down and feeling unable to cope. AnglicareSA support workers started visiting Russell daily, learning about his situation and ensuring he received the support he needed. Then, the family finally received some good news. They were offered a home in AnglicareSA’s Turning Point program.
Help families facing homelessness Enjoying the safety and comfort of our own home is something most of us cherish.
Howmuch will you donate?
At AnglicareSA, we know the reality for many families is very different. On any given night, approximately 6,000 people experience homelessness in SA. Some are young families with preschoolers. Please support our Turning Point program, which works specifically with young families to help them stabilise after crisis and plan for their future. Turning Point homes are furnished with basic essentials including linen, crockery and furniture, so that families
Set of towels for a family $30
New dining set $60
Rent for a week $200
Online donations: anglicaresa.com.au and click Donate
can simply move in and focus on moving forward with their lives. These items need to be replenished for the next family and your donation will keep Turning Point homes furnished with basic essential items.
Post your cheque to: Spring Appeal, 159 Port Road, Hindmarsh SA 5007 Call today: 08 8305 9200
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