Disabled and Homeless in the Coffs Harbour region

G'day...back in early 1969, I became physically disabled at age fourteen months, just before I learnt to walk. This was due to a hot water scalding accident, which inflicted 3rd degree burns, mainly to my right foot & leg. This resulted in the toes on my right foot being amputated, and years of extensive skin graphing.

This has had a profoundly negative effect on my life, to the point where I have found at times, it difficult to fit in with society. I became involved with marijuana around the age of fifteen, which has influenced me to suffer from suicidal depression ever since. For over thirty years, I have been at risk of homelessness, because I have trouble trying to live with other people in a household setting.

After a severe episode of psychosis during the winter of 1999, I completely stopped abusing cannabis, alcohol, & cigarettes. Since that time, I have only indulged in plain Panadol tablets (plus medications from some operations). I believe that my faith as a Christian, has kept me on the straight and narrow, for all of these years.

Having experienced homelessness intermittently for over thirty years, I know first hand what it is like, to not know where your going to sleep for the night. Only two months ago, after several months of couch surfing, I finally secured my own little unit once again. The greatest mental struggle that I've encountered from sleeping rough, is the question, am I going to get attacked tonight? Therefore if possible, I'd like to assist as many people as I can, who are disabled physically or mentally, from not having to endure the nightmare of homelessness. I'm not interested in attempting to help abled bodied/minded misfortunates, who have a drug, alcohol, or gambling problem.

The government housing system is very much broken, as crisis motel accommodation is generally deplorable, and unsanitary. Due to a severe shortage in public housing, you can expect to be on the waiting list for around five years. Yes the Housing Department is terrific at assisting their clients into the private rental market, although this can be extremely expensive, for a person existing on the Centrelink Disability Support Pension.

I am confident, that due to my experience as a Maxi Taxi driver, I have the ability to deal with all kinds of people, who are going through all kinds of situations. I've approached many homeless people on the streets over the years, but have felt that I was pretty much powerless to alter their circumstances. I think that if they were offered a pleasant environment to stay, especially where they felt safe, rehabilitation into a place that they could call their own, would be a quicker & more effective process.

My last stint in a homeless men's refuge, was at South Brisbane during April last year, which was a traumatic undertaking. There were heaps of undesirables living there, yet amongst this motley crew, were some of the most genuine blokes I have ever met. To be homeless is a humiliating and degrading position to be in. Please help me, as I try my darnest, to help these poor creatures.