Support helps Karl feel at home

Published: 

22 October 2021 11:46AM

After spending eight years living on the streets and sleeping rough, Karl and his beloved dog Tyson are thrilled with their new home.

“The best thing about my new home is that I have a roof over my head. It’s perfect,” Karl said.

“We’ve lived in abandoned buildings, parks, a tent on the beach and anywhere I could find that was safe.”

Karl and Tyson have now moved into a new complex that provides tenants with onsite support.

“The support staff are good, and you just need to ask them if you want help. They helped me move in and helped me find furniture and other items,” Karl said.

Karl said that support staff were helping him manage the transition from homelessness to having a home, which can be challenging.

“I’m still processing this change. I was on the streets for a long time. I have had trouble sleeping because it’s different,” he said.

While Karl is still getting used to his new home, Tyson’s had no troubles settling in.

“He is loving this place. He is sitting here quite content. I take him for walks twice a day and he enjoys that,” he said.

Karl is putting down his roots by growing a garden in his courtyard and exploring the local area.

“I need to go and get some soil for the garden because I’d like to plant some herbs, ginger and garlic,” Karl said.

“I like going fishing and I normally catch something every time I go. While fishing can be relaxing, it can also be frustrating,” he said.

Karl said that he’s met a couple of neighbours in the complex.

“They seem nice, we all come from all different backgrounds,” he said

“I try to be a good neighbour by respecting others that live in the complex and thinking of others about how much noise I make,” Karl said.

Onsite support is provided by Community Housing Limited, to help tenants manage their tenancy, access services and find connections in the community.