Ana* is a partially blind single mum with limited English, no family support in Australia and ongoing mental health challenges. She sought help at the Anglicare Homelessness Service Hub in Cairns, where LawRight’s Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic is permanently on-site and fully integrated. She was going to be evicted that day from her home and Child Safety was poised to remove her kids the following day due to homelessness.
LawRight was able to hold off the police from executing the warrant of possession, review her financial situation and do the paperwork for a bond refund. Community workers at the Hub negotiated with the landlord, kicked in towards the arrears using scarce centre funds and advocated to the Department for an urgent bond loan.
The landlord allowed Ana to stay in her flat under a new lease and payment plan to begin the following day, giving her breathing room and keeping a vulnerable family together.
(*not their real name)