Perth father lost his job, car, and home all in 1 year. Calling into a radio show changed his life overnight

In the span of a single year, Brendon lost his home, his car, and his job. Now, the Perth father is trying to rebuild his life, and thanks to a generous stranger listening to the radio, he finally has a way forward. "It all started when the landlord got sick with cancer and needed to move in. We had three months to find a new place and went to so many home opens, but couldn’t get anything," Brendon told ABC Radio Perth.

With nowhere to go, Brendon, his partner Carmen, and their two teenage sons began couch surfing, sleeping rough, and staying in short-term hotel rooms. The uncertainty took its toll, mainly on Carmen, who suffers from seizures. "It can happen at any time," Brendon said, "being in this homelessness situation is putting more stress on Carmen, and that’s what’s causing the seizures." As if that was not bad enough, a tree fell on the family car in what Brendon described as "a freak accident." Without transportation, he couldn’t continue his work as a roof tiler. "I’ve always worked. I’ve never even had Centrelink. I’ve always had a job," he said, "I had a little bit of savings, not much."

Brendon’s story aired as part of ABC Perth’s Breakfast Blitz campaign, which collects non-perishable food for rough sleepers in partnership with Uniting WA. That morning, one listener, Heather, decided she had to do more than just listen. "I’ve been in a position similar to yours. I’ve only got a home because of the help of people around me. I’m just passing it forward to you and I really wish you and your family the best," Heather told Brendon. Heather had a station wagon she was about to sell, but instead, she decided it would go to Brendon. "I thought this car would really help you get your job back and get on your feet again," she said.

When Brendon arrived at the ABC Perth studios, the car was waiting for him, complete with roof racks and a towbar. Additionally, the wagon’s boot was packed with breakfast food from the Breakfast Blitz, Uniting WA had covered the insurance and registration, and Heather had filled the tank. "It means the world to me. This is going to be a really big boost and a big push in the right direction. The roof racks and towbar are going to be ideal for work, and I can get straight onto that. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart," Brendon said, fighting back tears. These kinds of stable resources can be of great importance experiencing homelessness, as per research. 

A multi-year evaluation of the Journey to Social Inclusion program found that seven out of ten participants who received permanent housing and intensive support maintained housing long-term and reported improvements in mental health, employment opportunities, and family stability. Researchers concluded that "safety and stability" were critical for rebuilding lives. Heather’s only request was: "You just make sure you look after that family of yours. It’s a good car, it’s reliable, I hope it serves you well." Her act of generosity comes as Perth faces what community workers describe as an avalanche of demand for housing and food relief. "A good society is one that looks after people that have less than they do. If at the grassroots, we can bring in that packet of cereal or work a shift a month, then everybody is contributing," said Tranby volunteer and retired teacher Kate.