North Queensland housing crisis: Homeless elderly pair living in car
An elderly full-time carer and a disabled 70-year-old woman have been living rough out of a car since they became homeless five months ago.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An elderly full-time carer and a disabled 70-year-old woman have been living rough out of a car since becoming homeless five months ago.
Steven Cummings, currently staying in Townsville, said he and Sandra Patterson, who has mobility issues and an intellectual disability, had made in excess of 30 applications for rental housing but had been knocked back on each occasion.
“We’re living out of a car, a sedan, and we’ve been like this since January … we went up to Cairns last week and it’s just too dear up there for a rental … there are no two-bedroom units under $400,” he said.
“My mental health is deteriorating because I am caring for a disabled lady who is with me, which is hard without amenities and all of that.”
Mr Cummings, 65, said the pair became homeless when their rental property of three years sold and the new owners moved in January.
He said the pair, on about $2400 a fortnight, were looking for a two-bedroom, ground-level rental that cost about $300 to $320 a week.
“I don’t know why we keep getting knocked back, whether it’s our applications … I’m just not sure why that is,” Mr Cummings said.
The former meat worker said they were leading a miserable existence “just driving from place to place”.
“Just driving and pulling up wherever we can find amenities (public toilets and showers, or a laundromat).”
He said cooking options were limited to public barbecues, as well as takeaway food if they could afford it.
“All of our furniture is in a shipping container here in Townsville and we are paying ($60 per week) for that too.”
Mr Cummings said he had registered for help from the Department of Housing more than a month ago, but nothing was available from Cairns to the Burdekin, including Innisfail, Cardwell and Townsville.
“We’re on a long waiting list,” he said.
The Department of Housing and Public Works said it did not comment on individual cases due to privacy laws but “works proactively with all customers in addressing their housing needs”.
The Queensland Government said it was expecting to deliver one million new homes by 2044, including 53,500 social and community homes.
The Department of Housing does not report homelessness figures.
According to the Queensland Government Open Data Portal, social housing applications and support in Townsville is classified as “very high”.
According to the most recent Australian census data, Queensland had a homelessness rate of between 42 to 47 people per 10,000 in 2021, although that rate is expected to have climbed substantially.
Persons in need of housing help can contact the Homelessness Hotline on 1800747753, or visit or call the Townsville Housing Service Centre at 101 Sturt Street on 47248500.
More Coverage
Originally published as North Queensland housing crisis: Homeless elderly pair living in car
Vibrant art exhibition opens Mother’s Day
Townsville’s Escape Artists return to Art at Jezzine with a vibrant new exhibition opening Mother’s Day weekend. Featuring a colourful mix of landscapes, animals, abstracts and mixed media, the show celebrates friendship, creativity and the joy of painting together.
‘Very blessed’: Four generations of women to celebrate Mother’s Day
Brenda Heycock will be with her grandmother, mother and daughter this Mother’s Day, sharing special memories and celebrating the special women in her life.