At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

 

[Rainy]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

Shameful. She should stay in her home with her memories. It isn't too late to make the changes. Allow this woman to remain in her home.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Houso entitlement, all the way. 49 years in Public Housing?
Naaaaah. As far as I am concerned, Public Housing should be strictly for emergency use only, for no more than six months while people re-establish after whatever trauma befell them, and renewable only if continuing to satisfy qualification criteria. There's plenty of other demand for this 3-bedder.

Public housing / housing commission is permanent housing !!

 

[Rainy]

She needs legal representation. Any pro bono lawyers out there?

 

[Suzanne rose]

I grew up in a housing commission house with my grandparents.
They had moved from Leichardt to Peakhurst in Sydney and were one of the first in the area 1952
They saw the area grow , my grandfather built a double garage , planted trees and made many improvements on the house.

Sadly my grandmother passed away and we knew we had to give up the house which was a 3 bedroom home to allow a family to live in it. My grandfather needed to go into a nursing home and sadly passed away 6 months later.

I ve been pass the house a few times and saw the 3 NSW Christmas trees still standing that my grandfather planted maybe 50 years ago .
It's sad seeing others living in my old family home and seeing that they are not looking after it Like my grandparents did .

Housing commission/ public housing are just that . These are properties that give you cheaper rent but they are not yours forever.
If you have a 3 bedroom home and only 1 person lives in it then you will be made move so a larger family will have a roof over there head .

It's sad but it has to be done.

 

[GillyH]

My Family were 10 pound poms, After 7 years of private rental. My Parents finally got a Homeswest rental. After another 6-7 years they asked to purchase our rental. No, but there were others that could be purchased. The 2nd house wasn't as nice but We turned it into a home & my parents lived in it for 41 years. I think Rosemary hasn't read the fine print. There is no guarantee that your goverment rental is yours forever unless you purchase it. This is normal for people to be moved to a smaller property to accomodate a needy family.

 

[Go Cats]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

Very sad.And yet Anthony Albanese wants to increase the migrant intake.??? Where exactly are these people going to be housed.?????? We have that many homeless people of all ages here already and he wants to bring more migrants here. I don't get it. Oh,he says " we can build more homes" Really. When we have building companies going bankrupt/ into liquidation etc,etc. Or how about we just use really,really dodgy developers that have no regard or care for sacred indigenous land or our natural habitat and push our beautiful wildlife out of their homes. Yes,good on you Mr Albanese. NOT.!!!!! As the saying goes Ain't going to be easy under Albanese".

 

[Defiant540]

As someone who grew up in public housing you have no idea what you are talking about. It was available on a needs basis for anyone who needed it without a time limit being applied. In the current housing crisis there is no way anyone will be able to find a home & save the bond etc in 6 months. Public housing was & should always be, for those who are in the lower income bracket & cannot afford to buy a home of their own or find one in their price bracket to rent.

yahoo! best answer yet

 

[Defiant540]

So let me get this straight, they were ten pound poms and within two years they moved into a housing commission residence. Nothing in the report says anything about any children. All we know is, that she wants a two bedroom place to move to if she has to move out.
There are lots of people occupying housing commission residences that really should not have been in them for the period of time that they have been. Their children have grown up and either left home, or they are all still living in the same household and pulling in several thousand in wages and not reporting it to the government body overseeing accommodation. It is like someone said on the SDC site not long ago, if there is several brand new cars in the yard, they shouldn't be in public housing.
Public housing is not and should not be seen as a life long measure. It is temporary for families to get back on their feet. And now this lady is in a three bedroom house, whilst there are families homeless through interest rate hikes, landlord grabs, or whatever. It is happening all over the country. I'm sorry the lady lost her husband, but if they had bought a house instead of listening to some other ten pound pom, whose attitude was bought over from the mother country, she would not be in this situation.
And, before someone shouts me down about this, I was married to one of these poms, and when I wanted to be sterilized and was told I had to have his permission, the roof shook.

sorry but totally disagree with you!

 

[Zdenek]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

We are in similar situation here in Qld Cannonvale. I am the tennant and my wife is the resident. I am 77 and my wife is 72. When I pass away then my wife will have the same problem. The department refused to recognise my request for my wife recognition as a co tennant. What should I do please? Zdenek B Robes

 

[Starkey]

I would suggest that the person make direct contact with local state MP and NSW minister for Seniors, who is also Minister for Women.

 

[donandviv77]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

While it might sound heartless how can anyone object to any single resident being placed into a 1 bedroom unit when her 3 bedroom current home could take a homeless family or a family paying the majority of their income on rent to a heartless money grubbing owner off the street and into public housing. Just maybe the NSW Government needs to investigate just how many public housing units are accomodating the families of the people their public housing was originally intended for while the original tenants have either passed on or the surviving parent only requires a single bedroom accomodation. I am sure that the NSW Government would shorten their waiting lists very quickly.

 

[donandviv77]

As someone who grew up in public housing you have no idea what you are talking about. It was available on a needs basis for anyone who needed it without a time limit being applied. In the current housing crisis there is no way anyone will be able to find a home & save the bond etc in 6 months. Public housing was & should always be, for those who are in the lower income bracket & cannot afford to buy a home of their own or find one in their price bracket to rent.

Agreed but apparently you have never seen the high priced car, motor bikes, caravans or boats parked on the lawns of many public housing blocks which blows your comments out of the water for at least 25 % of public housing residents. As you say-public housing was/must/should be only allocated to a family with little or no income or living in their vehicles and when the original tenants are no longer living in the home the children must be evicted and placed on the end of the waiting lists.

 

[Mistydolphin1]

That is just disgusting. I hope she takes everything they bought with her or is compensated for all the improvements. I have known quite a few people in housing like her that have not done a thing to improve the place and it drags the look of the neighbourhood diwn

 

[Mindygirl12022]

I think it’s damn terrible. I grew up in a housing commission house. Initially in dad s name. It was changed to mums name and she was allowed to stay until she passed.

Yes and this lady's home should be hers as well. There's someone greedy out to make money out of her property for sure.

 

[Catherines]

Heaps of things to consider here. If they paid for carpets etc she should be compensated (with interest or at today’s rate of purchase) if what they paid for to be able to live in the home is still in good condition. If a suitable 1-2 bedroom home or unit can be found to house her, then move her into it and lease the home to another family that need the 3 bedrooms. There are too many people with more pressing needs, especially homeless seniors with or without partners and families with children. Bear in mind also some of the reasons people cannot afford to get another place is the lack of savings due to many wanting everything that opens & shuts or what is advertised. Constantly moving is also expensive when everything is considered.
It is imperative we all read contracts and understand them (although that can be very challenging with the legal words used). My husband and I rented for 4 years after marriage then bought our first 3 bedroom home. We paid that off in 1982 and stayed there until selling in 1990 and rented for another 7 months while our second 4 bedroom home was being built. We’ve only had these two homes and been here for the last 31 years. One of our children could be in a similar situation very shortly and we’ll have to provide for them if required as a casual wage just covers necessities with no ability to save.

 

[Kelpie]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

Heartless bureaucrats. Period.

 

[minty]

At the Seniors Discount Club, our community is something that we genuinely care about. We feel that it's important to share stories of our fellow seniors going through difficult times in the hope that we can rally around and find solutions together.

One such story is that of 77-year-old Rosemarie Earley, who is facing an eviction from her home of almost 50 years – all due to a single detail on the property's original lease.

Rosemarie and her husband, Eric, moved into their home in Woonona, a northern suburb of Wollongong, just a couple of years after they immigrated from England in 1971. The couple had a simple dream of a better life for their family in Australia.

Their home was nothing more than an empty shell when they first moved in. With no carpets, window fittings, lightbulbs, or even soil, Rosemarie and Eric had to furnish, renovate, and make improvements with their own money. They even bought a garage and paid to have gas connected.

View attachment 19431

Although Rosemarie Earley has lived in the Woonona house for 49 years, her name was not added to the lease until recently. Source: A Current Affair

While initially under the impression they were buying the house – the paperwork stated they had been 'approved to purchase' – the couple was later informed they would never be able to buy it.

However, they didn't worry too much about that, as an inspector who visited the housing commission property assured them they could 'stay here till you die', giving them a sense of security and peace.

Unfortunately, their dream took a tragic turn when Eric passed away after a long illness. As stipulated by the original lease, only the husband's name was allowed, and so Rosemarie contacted the NSW government to have her name recognised as a tenant in their beloved home.

It was a different time back then, with the husband seen as the breadwinner and females relegated to being housewives with a limited say in such matters.

View attachment 19429

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

The unexpected consequence of this simple request for recognition resulted in an eviction notice. Rosemarie was initially thrilled to sign paperwork that allowed her to stay in the house with her name on the lease. But just six weeks later, she received a letter stating that her home no longer met her needs.

Devastated, Rosemarie has described the decision to move her as 'absolutely disgusting' and has made a desperate plea for compassion. Her home is ideally suited to her needs, being on one level with modifications made for her age.

A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of living in a home for 49 years and being forced to leave it. They advised that Rosemarie could stay in the current property until another suitable home is found.

The spokesperson also noted that Rosemarie's current residence is a three-bedroom home occupied by a single person, and they are reviewing housing options to accommodate her while still providing suitable housing for the many families on social housing waiting lists.

Rosemarie has requested a two-bedroom home, and the department is working on securing her desired property as a priority in the area she has chosen to live in.

The Urgent Need to Address Housing Instability Amongst the Elderly​

The heartbreaking story of Rosemarie Earley serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community and supporting each other during difficult times, especially for elderly Australians who are facing housing instability. Ms. Earley's eviction highlights the precarious situation faced by many older citizens struggling to find suitable housing, a problem that is becoming increasingly common across Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 39,000 people aged 55 and over were living in social housing as of June 2020, and with an aging population, the wait lists for housing assistance and homelessness services will only continue to grow. This state of housing instability can have serious implications for a person's physical and mental health, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of falls and physical ailments that require longer recovery times.

The uncertainty of being evicted from a home of almost 50 years, the associated stress and financial burden, and the health impacts that come with it are significant concerns. Aging Australians may suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical ailments like heart rate and hypertension, as noted by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

As a community, we must do more to protect elderly Australians who are facing housing insecurity. Sharing stories like Ms. Earley's on social media, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation can help bring attention to this critical issue.

Key Takeaways

• A 77-year-old woman in Woonona is being evicted from her home of 49 years by the NSW government due to a detail on the property's original lease.
• Rosemarie Earley contacted the NSW government to be recognized as a tenant after her husband's death, which led to an eviction notice.
• The house reportedly meets Ms. Earley's needs for her age and she has requested a two-bedroom home.
• A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said they are working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Ms. Earley to find a suitable home and allow her to remain in her current property until a suitable property is confirmed.

If you have a story or experience to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Seniors Discount Club. Together, we can find ways to help one another and provide the necessary support to elderly citizens.

 

[minty]

I think it must be a shock for the lady to be evicted from the house after living there for a long time.
But I believe that the decision they made based on an error in the system that allowed only one person to be the tenant.
It happened to an 89 years old man whose wife just passed away last December.
He found out that his name was not on the registry of Housing despite the fact that he has lived there with his wife for more than 10 years.
When his wife passed away,he has to place an application and to be interviewed to remain in the 1 bedroom villa residence.
I think the Housing system need to be updated to allow 2 persons to be the tenants.
At the meantime,they did the right thing by allowing the lady to stay until she has a suitable home to live.