Adam is one of thousands of Canberra locals struggling to afford rent.
Hiding behind long locks of hair, Adam is articulate, bright and willing to talk.
The Canberra local, who arrived in the city several years ago understands just how difficult it is for people to make Canberra a place to call home.
“The cost of rent is just too high,” says Adam. “I have been trying to find work for years but due to some health issues, it’s difficult. This means I rely on government help. At the moment I rent a room in a share house but I have hardly anything left over once I’ve paid my rent. Rent is my biggest expense and well over 50 percent of my assistance goes to it.”
Adam first got in touch with Anglicare when he first moved to the city. He attended their Club12/25 youth program and became connected to a group of people who helped him practically and emotionally.
“The team at Anglicare have been great. I feel connected which is important,” says Adam. “Everyone there is great! Sometimes when my budget is really stretched, like on those weeks when I have to buy asthma medication, Anglicare have helped by providing food hampers.”
Adam is just one of thousands of people in the Canberra area and greater region who are living in housing risk with over 30 percent of their income going towards housing. Statistics revealed in Anglicare’s latest Rental Affordability Snapshot showed that almost no-one relying on government assistance would be able to access private rentals.
