RentConnect helps couple on the brink of homelessness

PAYING for their medication or a roof over their heads – that was tough choice Ron and Michelle Sherwood were facing.

RentConnect officer Wayne Stevens, from the Department of Housing and Public Works with Michelle and Ron Sherwood in the back yard of their new rental home. Photo Sharyn O'Neill / The Morning Bulletin. Picture: Sharyn O'Neill

PAYING for their medication or a roof over their heads - that was tough choice Ron and Michelle Sherwood were facing. 

With rental prices too costly for the Rockhampton couple, they were on the brink of homelessness.

The couple had no choice but to put their money towards Ron's medication, as his health began to decline. 

He had been fighting diabetes, heart disease and cancer in his left lung.

The couple had been unable to apply for social housing as their adult son was living with them and working, though he was providing support to Michelle who was caring for Ron.

At their lowest point, a meeting with a RentConnect officer Wayne Stevens changed their lives. 

"Wayne was amazing; he helped us when we were at our lowest, treated us with respect and he was warm and understanding," Michelle said.

"He found us a private rental property that was more affordable and helped us with a bond loan and rental grant because we did not have any spare cash to put up front."

But that's not all the challenges the couple were facing. Ron's condition saw him spend three weeks in a palliative care centre and when he returned home he needed a wheelchair.

RentConnect once again helped the couple find a new house that would be accessible for Ron.

The Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said that this is what RentConnect is all about.

"Finding suitable and sustainable housing for people in need, when they need it," Mr Mander said.    

WHAT IS RENTCONNECT  

- They help Queenslanders find, secure and sustain a home to rent in the private market. 

- They help people who are able to manage a tenancy, but are struggling to access the private rental market due to non-financial barriers  

- To make an appointment with a RentConnect Officer, phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit a Housing Service Centre  

Originally published as RentConnect helps couple on the brink of homelessness