Tom & Barbara
Barbara, a conveyancer, and Tom, a policeman, bought a beautiful home on five acres, raised their family, and had what they considered a blessed life. In 1982, they decided to start a hygiene business, suppling products and services from the North Coast, throughout the Illawarra, and as far as Canberra. They had contracts for government departments, McDonalds and clubs.
A few years ago, their chemicals supplies became harder and more unreliable to source. After some alleged impropriety from their business partner, the company collapsed, and Barb and Tom lost their home. Once they were out of the housing market they found it impossible to get back in.
Testament to the type of people Barb and Tom are family and friends supported them to pay rent and bills. When the global pandemic hit their successful adult children were also feeling the financial stresses of businesses affected by staff shortages and Barb and Tom felt they simply could not accept any more help from them.
Barb and Tom were priced out of the private rental market but were successful in their application for Affordable Housing in Corrimal. They are extremely grateful. They recognise that the system is broken and feel they have been incredibly lucky to secure a safe, affordable home.
