Experiencing homelessness includes where a person is without conventional accommodation (e.g. sleeping in a park or a car), moving frequently between temporary accommodation (e.g. refuges/emergency housing or friends), or living in marginal accommodation on a medium- to long-term basis (e.g. rooming houses, transitional housing or caravan parks).
At risk of homelessness includes where a person has circumstances (e.g. mental ill-health, age, financial hardship, or family violence) or a legal issue that makes it difficult to access or maintain secure accommodation.
KCLS can provide legal information, advice and representation to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. We may be able to assist with the following types of legal issues:
Housing and tenancy (in particular preventing evictions)
Fines and infringements connected to homelessness
Credit and debt problems
Some criminal law matters
Case Study: Charlie
Charlie was dismissed from his job and was evicted from his rental property due to arrears. Charlie lived in a hostel for 3 months but left due to unsuitable conditions. He then became homeless, squatting in vacant buildings and trains. Charlie had a debt with Centrelink that reduced his fortnightly benefit payment. He was in desperate need of accommodation to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for job interviews.
KCLS can help Charlie by referring him to services to help him find temporary accommodation, followed by securing affordable long term accommodation. KCLS can help Charlie by helping him to apply for social housing and understanding his Tenancy Agreement.