Ray

Ray has a history of insecure housing, health problems and has a significant visual impairment. He was living in unsafe conditions and had his jaw broken by a neighbour.

“I’ve lived in lots of places over the years. I was in Clifton Hill in a community rooming house, but I couldn’t invite people over or have proper privacy there. I lived above a pub in Collingwood. I had a dodgy friend who attacked me. Since then my vision has been wrong.

“The other place I lived was disability accommodation in Melton. It was a fair way out and it was enormously frustrating. To start with, I thought I’d have my own place, somewhere safe. The problem was getting around because I can’t drive. I had to walk or rely on cabs, which I couldn’t afford.

“Then I moved to public housing near here. The problem there was my neighbour. He was violent and made a target out of me. On Boxing Day I was playing music and he knocked on the door. Didn’t ask me to turn it down, just bashed me and broke my jaw. People either feel sorry for you or make you a target.

“I couldn’t stay after that. I was willing to sleep on the street to get away. When I came to HomeGround I was desperate and they helped me get an urgent transfer straight away.

“It worked out good in the end because I got this place. The view of the city, which I can see at night, and the size. Especially the size. There’s no graffiti here, the unit was clean when I moved in, no dodgy stuff in the foyer. I’m settling in.

“I get support now, from Patrick (HomeGround worker) and also from Vision Australia. My computer is well set-up with adaptive technology, screen magnifier, screen reader. I thought I’d be totally lost, but now I take it for granted what I can do on the computer and over the internet.

“Patrick, I’m still in contact with him. The blinds here haven’t been put in yet and the intercom doesn’t work. The guy came around last week after four weeks of chasing him and leaving messages and not getting back. Patrick’s call was the one that had an effect.

“Now I have a home that is safe. There is security here. I want to improve my health so my eyesight gets better.

“Everyone wants a partner. I couldn’t have had one at my last place. Here I could live with someone and have enough space.

“I’d like to get a job. I was looking, but gave up because of the violence. I was paranoid leaving the house because my neighbour. I’m in a good mood now, full of beans from eating well and going to the gym every day.”

HomeGround supported Ray to get his urgent transfer, linked him with other support services and continues to work with him to establish his tenancy and work towards his future aspirations.