A network of support for Harry

For more than 14 years, Harry* lived in a precarious housing situation, renting a room in Brunswick West with a former colleague who owned the property. While this arrangement initially provided him with a place to stay, over time, his living conditions became increasingly difficult.

Harry faced significant restrictions in his home, such as being unable to turn on the heater in shared spaces and his privacy was frequently invaded, with his housemate entering his room unannounced. Without a formal lease or rental receipts, Harry lived in constant fear of eviction, unsure of his rights and options. His fear of standing up to his former colleague left him feeling powerless and isolated.

In addition to his housing challenges, Harry was also struggling with his health. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago, he found everyday activities increasingly difficult. Getting out of bed could take multiple attempts and his mobility was significantly impacted. His bathroom setup –a shower over a bathtub – posed a high risk of falls, further adding to his concerns about safety at home. Despite these struggles, Harry had little follow-up medical care and was not connected to aged care support or occupational therapy services.

A turning point came when staff from the Coburg Library, who had attended recent HomeConnect presentation – a support initiative run by VincentCare – referred Harry for support.

Michelle Douglas, Adults & Older Adults Support Worker at HomeConnect, played a crucial role in assisting Harry throughout his journey. Recognising his urgent needs, Michelle worked swiftly to connect Harry with essential services.

Through a referral to the Sacred Heart Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Harry was introduced to Natalie Platten, a social worker who guided him through the process of accessing health and aged care support, including a potential Home Care Package. An Occupational Therapist referral was also made to assist with his mobility needs.

One of Harry’s major health concerns was his dental care – he had been advised he needed five tooth extractions, but was hesitant to proceed due to fear of the procedure. With gentle encouragement and support from Michelle and Sacred Heart CHSP, Harry was re-referred to Merri Bek Community Health, where he received assistance to attend multiple appointments over several months. He successfully underwent the extractions and is now awaiting his denture work.

Financial stability was another critical area where Harry needed support. He faced difficulties managing his utility and phone bills but was unsure of how to address them. With the guidance of Michelle and Myung Yoon, Financial Counsellor at HomeConnect, Harry was able to resolve his financial concerns, including securing a more affordable phone plan.

Perhaps the most transformative part of Harry’s journey was securing stable housing. Understanding his vulnerability, Michelle worked tirelessly to fast-track his priority housing application through the Office of Housing. Sacred Heart nominated Harry for a long-term community housing vacancy with Housing First and, in December 2024, Harry moved into his new independent living unit in Brighton East.

To help him settle in, Michelle and HomeConnect provided brokerage support for essential items such as a new bed and a fridge. Additionally, Sacred Heart arranged for on-site housing settlement support through Pathways Worker Paul Reichelt, ensuring Harry had the resources and assistance needed to transition smoothly into his new home.

Today, Harry is in a much better place – both physically and emotionally.

He is receiving continued support through Sacred Heart’s CHSP Program, his major dental work is complete and he is on the waitlist for occupational therapy to further support his mobility.

Most importantly, he no longer lives in fear of eviction or isolation.

Harry’s story is a testament to the power of coordinated support and advocacy. Through the dedicated efforts of Michelle Douglas, HomeConnect, Sacred Heart and other service providers, Harry now has a safe, secure and dignified place to call home, along with the necessary support systems to help him live independently with confidence and peace of mind.

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*Name changed for privacy