The Struggle of Kelly Campbell: Falling Through the Cracks of the System
Kelly Campbell was 46 years old when she experienced a sudden stroke that threw her life into chaos. A mother of five from Perth, Campbell held a crucial role managing a dementia ward in a nursing home and had a stable rental home she had lived in for almost four years.
The Impact of the Stroke
After the stroke, Campbell faced significant health challenges that left her unable to work. She lost her vision, speech, and right-side mobility, and was diagnosed with an acquired brain injury. Over the course of eight months, she was able to regain her sight and speech, but the brain injury persisted, making it impossible for her to continue working.
A Threat to Her Home
As if dealing with the aftermath of the stroke wasn’t enough, Campbell faced another crisis when the owner of her rental home decided to sell the property to take advantage of the COVID housing boom. Despite having a fixed-term lease that wasn’t set to expire until July 2020, Campbell was pressured to sign a sales agreement and vacate the property.
- Owner pressured Campbell to sign a sales agreement and offered $800 for moving costs
- Campbell fought to stay in her home despite the owner’s attempts to sell
- Eventually had to leave when the fixed lease ended
A Desperate Situation
At that time, Campbell had not yet been approved for the Disability Support Pension or support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). She relied on Centrelink JobSeeker payments with a medical exemption, struggling to make ends meet while dealing with her health issues.
- Struggled to access financial support due to eligibility criteria
- Survived on Centrelink JobSeeker payments without additional assistance
- Was put on a priority list for community housing but faced a long wait
The Long Road to Finding a Home
Given her precarious situation, Campbell began giving away her belongings as she faced the looming threat of homelessness. After unsuccessful attempts to share a home with a friend, she ended up living in her son’s lounge room for nearly two years, grateful for his support but longing for a place of her own.
- Initially lived with a friend but situation didn’t work out
- Moved in with her son and his housemate, living in the lounge room
- Struggled with the lack of stability and independence
A Beacon of Hope
After making a public submission about her struggles with the NDIS and homelessness, Campbell’s case was escalated, leading to her eventual housing placement by the Department of Communities in Bassendean.
- Advocated for herself by making a public submission to the Federal Government
- Received support from WA Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John
- Offered a home in Perth’s north-eastern suburb of Bassendean
The Crisis of Homelessness in Western Australia
As Campbell’s story highlights, the issue of homelessness in Western Australia is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention from policymakers and the community at large.
A Call for Action
Allan Connolly, an advocate for ending homelessness, has initiated a parliamentary petition urging the WA Government to declare a State of Emergency on housing and homelessness.
- Petition supported by Greens MLC Brad Pettitt
- Calls for a focused approach to addressing the housing crisis
- Emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action
The State of Homelessness in Western Australia
Recent data reveals the extent of the homelessness crisis in Western Australia, with thousands of individuals on waitlists for public housing and alarming increases in rental stress and homelessness risk.
- 34,505 people on the waitlist for public housing in WA
- Wait times averaging 138 weeks and 76 weeks for priority cases
- 272,000 Western Australians at risk of homelessness, a 77% increase since 2016
Government Response
Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey acknowledges the challenges facing the housing market in Western Australia and highlights the government’s efforts to address the crisis.
- $3.2 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures
- More than 2,550 social homes added with additional units under construction
- Nearly $140 million allocated for homelessness measures in 2024
Conclusion
Kelly Campbell’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals at risk of homelessness and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the housing crisis in Western Australia. By sharing her experiences, Campbell hopes to advocate for change and ensure that others in similar situations receive the support and assistance they need.
FAQs
1. What support systems are in place for individuals experiencing homelessness in Western Australia?
While there are various support services and programs available, the wait times and eligibility criteria often pose significant challenges for vulnerable individuals seeking assistance. Efforts are being made to improve access to housing and support services, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness.
2. How can the community contribute to addressing the homelessness crisis in Western Australia?
Community involvement and advocacy play a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and pressuring policymakers to take meaningful action. By supporting initiatives, signing petitions, and volunteering with organizations dedicated to ending homelessness, individuals can make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.