Homeless to Housed! Jo’s Story – Participant of the NDIS

In 2021 Jo was homeless and in distress. Hostel surfing, unsafe housing, sleeping outside the front of a hospital and weeks spent in a rehabilitation centre is how Jo has spent recent times. A combination of mental health issues, COVID restrictions and “falling through the cracks” meant Jo was suffering on many fronts. In January this year, Jo’s Support Coordinator reached out to us, desperate for help.

We moved quickly, meeting Jo in Brisbane and bringing her to the Sunshine Coast. We secured 12 nights emergency Short Term Accommodation exclusive to Jo in a secure lakeside cottage. The following day we accompanied and advocated for Jo including:

•Meetings with Centrelink and Dept of Housing

•Removal of Credit Card, After Pay and ZIP debt

•Recovering money owed to Jo

•Establishing mygov, vaccination certs, “go card” and a new phone.

In addition, we paired Jo with one of our great support team members to involve her in the community and tour her new surroundings. This includes the fun stuff, like Noosa ferry, Hinterland tours, Kayaking, swimming, great food, support and companionship.

Unlike our usual STA’s, Jo had nowhere to go to afterwards, and we were not about to farewell her without a finding a place to stay.

Before the STA finished, we located and secured permanent accommodation for Jo in a safe, friendly and affordable share home in Noosa Heads. We now provide ongoing weekly supports and community access where Jo enjoys the local pool, the Noosa River and all the natural beauty the Noosa region offers.

Our next role involves advocating for Jo in assisting her gaining part time employment. She’s an intelligent young lady who’s keen on becoming more financially independent and involved in the community. We’re confident of her abilities to succeed in her chosen employment and will do all we can to assist.

Not every Inspired Getaway STA is all Sunshine & Rainbows and this one was certainly not without its challenges. However, the reward of seeing the change we have made in Jo’s life, coupled with her willingness to make the right choices when presented with great opportunities, gives us great joy and is a credit to her.

Talk to us about how we can help you, a client or a loved one with NDIS Short Term Accommodation, Medium Term Accommodation and our Inspired Getaways.

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Email: info@inspiredsupport.com.au