Tony’s fall into homelessness
- Published:
- 18 February 2021 12:39PM
After a successful career as a bricklayer, a work accident in 2016 left Tony unable to work and living in a rundown caravan on a mate’s property.
“I walked around the corner on a job site and tripped on a brick that was jutting out. The fall left me with a permanent spinal injury,” Tony said.
“Within a year of the accident I was living in a caravan with no running water, electricity or sewerage. The caravan had a hole in the roof, so it leaked when it rained.”
Tony also suffers from a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. During 2020, he had regular hospital stays to help stabilise his condition. During one of his hospital stays, Tony was referred to IFYS by his hospital social worker.
Tania is the team leader at IFYS, a specialist homelessness provider.
“IFYS and the department have been providing temporary accommodation for homeless people at the Sunshine Coast Sports Hub in response to increased homelessness on the Sunshine Coast during COVID-19,” Tania said.
“While Tony had a roof over his head, he qualified for a room at the Hub because he was rough sleeping.”
Tony spent five months at the Hub. He had his own room and was provided with three meals a day. Meanwhile, Zak from Maroochydore Housing Service Centre (HSC) searched for a suitable social housing property.
“I was able to find him a one-bedroom unit with wide hallways that would accommodate his walker,” Zak said.
Tony is full of praise for the staff working at the Hub and the Maroochydore HSC. He loves his new unit.
“They have done a great job for me. I couldn’t be happier. My unit is spacious, very private and has a lovely view of the trees.”