After suffering two strokes and being deemed unable to earn a living by doctors, Armindo De Olizeara was forced to live in squalor in a private rooming house.Armindo De Olizeara outside his new home at a social housing development in Footscray, with Unison acting CEO James King."When I lost my job, I struggled with my bills and I was living in a private rooming house which [was] disgusting ... especially the kitchen and toilet – [it was] not clean at all," he said.
The units have on-site support staff, plenty of natural light, good airflow and are energy efficienct."I feel like I'm in a five-star hotel," Mr De Olizeara said. "I've got lots of space. I'm very happy where I am." "We're really, really pleased with the outcome [at the Footscray development]. The finish, we think, it sets a very high standard," he said.Residents include 16 women referred by McAuley Community Services, which also has on-site services including support for women who have experienced family violence.
Professor Guy Johnson said tension was often high in common areas at rooming houses, and residents had no control or privacy, causing damage to their mental and physical health.Although Mr De Olizeara had to share some facilities at the Unison rooming house, he was provided with his own small kitchen and bathroom.
Don't get too used it. We don't any money or concern for people without houses.
As it should be
No one should be homeless. None.