Adelaide mum to be kicked out of rental with disabled son

“I think the issue is there are so many layers in housing that they don’t understand his needs … All they’re getting at the top is the fact he’s disabled but not that he’s severely, profoundly disabled.”

Katie Fattel is at a crossroads.

The mum is facing homelessness with her disabled son Cassian, who requires power supply for his medical machines, and now believes her son is “facing death” if something isn’t done soon.

The Adelaide mum will be kicked out of her rental of eight years this September because water damage is making it uninhabitable, and the landlord can’t afford repairs.

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The Adelaide Advertiser reports Cassian survived a backyard pool drowning in 2021, and has since lived with acquired cerebral palsy meaning he can’t support his legs or neck without an aid.

He is non-verbal, and requires three machines to stay alive, including a feeding tube that is active for 22 hours every day.

“He won’t survive being homeless,” Katie told The Adelaide Advertiser.

“He would probably get extremely sick and die very quickly.

“Homelessness is bad for anyone going through it, but Cassian has no capacity to adapt to it like you or I can.

“He needs a safe place to live, and I need a safe place to take care of him.”

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Ms Fattel said she still sees a future for her family despite all the odds against them. Picture: Tom Huntley

"It was all just making me a lot more distressed"

The Advertiser reports the family applied for Housing Trust in January, and were fast-tracked to category one priority thanks to a case worker’s intervention.

However, Katie was shocked when the same case worker sent an email with links to guides for ‘manifestation’ - a spiritual practice that suggests mental willpower can influence real-world outcomes.

Katie said she believed the email was sent with “good intentions”, but the family didn’t need “wishful thinking”.

The same case worker also sent links to resources for free camping gear and safe sleeping locations.

“It was actually just making me a lot more distressed because, at the end of the day, I can Google all of this myself,” she said.

“I thought they would have advice or inside resources that I could take advantage of and instead it was just Google links.

“I think the issue is there are so many layers in housing that they don’t understand his needs … All they’re getting at the top is the fact he’s disabled but not that he’s severely, profoundly disabled.”

RELATED: 'I can afford rent, but I'm still facing homelessness'

Cassian survived a near-fatal drowning at 18-months old. Picture: Supplied

"Cassian survived against all odds"

If they do end up homeless, Katie has been told Cassian would have access to a hospital bed, but it would mean the family have to live apart.

Despite the challenges, Katie is still holding on to hope of a fulfilling future, and is finishing an Honours year of a Bachelor of Social Work.

“I’ve heard it all before, that you’re a sponge or you’re trying to live off the government,” she said. “I’m just trying to find an opportunity to make our lives better.

“Cassian survived against all odds. The last prognosis we’ve received is 30, 40 years, but for that to happen he needs a home, and he needs his life support.”

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An SA Housing Trust spokeswoman told The Adelaide Advertiser that while “staff go over and above to support tenants”, any reference to manifestations “would not be deemed appropriate”.

“Applicants assessed as category one are our immediate priority, but with limited vacancies, some individuals with extensive requirements such as the need for multiple bedrooms, downstairs bathrooms and disability modifications, may not have access to social housing as quickly,” the spokeswoman said.

“Staff have worked closely with Ms Fattel, including a meeting today, to ensure she has access to other appropriate government support services, including private rental support, HomeStart Finance and NDIS.

“We are also actively advocating with community housing providers who specialise in disability accommodation to find a suitable home.”

RELATED: Vulnerable QLD families evicted after letter drop

L-R: Cassian’s wheelchair, walking aide and supportive chair. Picture: Tom Huntley

"She's so compassionate and caring"

It appears Katie’s pleas have reached the right ears, as acting Housing Minister Tom Koutsantonis told The ABC he would “personally case manage” her family’s situation.

However, he stopped short of guaranteeing the family a home.

“She’s so compassionate and caring, she didn’t even want to get upset at the person who sent this email,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“It all depends on availability - we’re not going to throw a family out to put Katie in.

“We’re embarking on a massive building program and houses do become available.

“It depends of course on where she lives and where her community is, and making sure that Katie is comfortable with the location we give her.”

Originally published as Adelaide mum to be kicked out of rental with disabled son