My name is Deb and I am 48 years old. I, along with thousands of low-income renters across the country, could soon be homeless as the National Rental Affordability Scheme comes to an end. Waitlists for public housing are through the roof, leaving those of us on the scheme with no-where to turn. 

When I phoned to ask about public housing options, I was told that I would probably die before I was able to secure a place.

This is why I am calling on the Federal Government to extend the National Affordability Rental Scheme until other options are available.

If the scheme is axed, the rental crisis will worsen as thousands of vulnerable people are evicted from their homes. I am battling both cancer and a rare liver disease. Coming to terms with death has been easier to face than this.

This year over 4000 rentals were taken off the scheme and between now and 2026, over 28,000 homes will be put on the private market.

It is an act of cruelty that low-income renters will face eviction unless we can magically cough up hundreds more dollars a week. 

I am a single woman. I have no money left in superannuation and I have no family to fall back on. I know what it’s like to be homeless, having spent years on and off sleeping in my car. The housing affordability scheme has been a lifesaver for myself and thousands like me.

Stand with us in calling on the Albanese government to extend the NRAS until there is another option available.

Please help out by signing the petition while we fight to keep a roof over our heads. 

Warmly,

Deb

You can find out more via this ABC and A Current Affair story.

UPDATE: Since this story ran, I have been in contact with Unison Housing about potential housing, awaiting further details. Despite this my message remains the same as I represent so many others in the same situation.