Rental crisis leaves Claremont couple with no good choices

Wendy Reid has been trying to find a new rental for 18 months. She has now become effectively homeless, she says, due to more than a year of inaction by the government. STORY >>

Wendy Reid who has MS and is being evited from her home at Claremont, with Labor leader Rebecca White and Ella Haddad MP. Picture: Chris Kidd

WENDY Reid and her partner Shane are the faces of Hobart’s housing crisis.

The couple became homeless on Monday afternoon when their lease ended on the crumbling private rental they’ve lived in for the last eight years.

Ms Reid, who uses a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis, says the uncertainty is the hardest part.

“I just don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring,” she said.

“It’s very stressful. I can’t describe how stressful it is, not eating, not sleeping,

“The worst thing for MS is stress. The last we weeks I have had new symptoms. My left hand is now affected. My right hand doesn’t work, which is scary.”

Wendy Reid, has MS and is being evited from her home at Claremont, with nowhere to go. Picture: Chris Kidd

The couple had 18 months notice that their $360 a week private rental would be coming to an end.

As private rents soar beyond reach, their efforts to secure public housing have been in vain — and their offer of temporary accommodation would mean the couple were separated.

While they wait, they’ll be staying in a campervan, parked in a shed.

“We ring Housing Connect every other day. That’s just like banging your head against a brick wall.

Wendy Reid. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We’ve sent numerous emails to the Minister for Housing. No reply. We’ve left messages for the premier to meet with us. No response, we’ve been ignored.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said with long waiting times for public housing, many deserving people were missing out.

“This is a couple that is in desperate need of a home,” she said.

“They have been waiting for far too long and the government and Minister Guy Barnett have pretended they’ve helped and they haven’t. And now they’re in this situation because of the lack of support they’ve been receiving from the state government.”

Ella Haddad MP and Labor leader Rebecca White. Picture: Chris Kidd

Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing Guy Barnett said he hoped a property would be available soon.

“Every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head, and we have a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness and housing stress across the state,” Mr Barnett said.

“I am aware of this case and that Housing Connect deals with some clients who have more complex mobility access issues to address.

“I can assure you that the clients have been receiving support. I am aware that there has been offers of interim accommodation.

“There is also a property currently undergoing assessment to make sure that it is fully suited to the family’s needs for long term secure housing.

“I would also urge any Tasmanians in housing stress to contact Housing Connect for assistance.”