Merisse Van Os forced to live in tent with husband, disabled son after not finding a rental

Two months ago, Merisse Van Os never thought she’d be living in a tent. But Townsville’s rental crisis left her with no other choice.

TWO months ago, Merisse Van Os never thought she’d be living in a tent.

The 49-year-old, her husband Justin Van Os, and 20-year-old disabled son, Conway, were asked to move out of their long-term Kirwan rental in August, but they had nowhere to go.

They’ve been living in a tent at Rowes Bay Caravan Park ever since and have been knocked back for rentals dozens of times.

“I think we’ve applied for about 38 houses,” Mrs Van Os said.

“We do everything right when we apply, but we keep getting knocked back. It’s very stressful.”

Merisse and Justin van Os with their son Conway, are living in a tent in a caravan park because they can't find a place to live. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Van Os family is one of many struggling to find a rental property in Townsville, as record-low vacancy rates and an influx of southerners tighten the market.

The rental crisis has left the family squishing together to sleep in one tent, cooking on an outdoor stove and using milk crates as seats.

Mrs Van Os works part-time at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, but is primary carer for her non-verbal son.

Her husband works as a delivery driver to help support his family.

Merisse and Justin van Os (correct) with their son Conway, are living in a tent in a caravan park because they can't find a place to live. Picture: Evan Morgan

“He works hard to keep us safe and well, but no-one wants to take us in,” Mrs Van Os said.

“They think we are trailer trash for living in a caravan park.”

Mrs Van Os says her family have been discriminated against when applying for rentals, and they have been left without help and nowhere to go.

She said the family now has to move out of the caravan park, but don’t know where to turn.

“We are hoping to get some help from the Red Cross, but we really don’t know what’s going to happen now.”

Originally published as Merisse Van Os forced to live in tent with husband, disabled son after not finding a rental