Family out of options, moving into their car
A young Geraldton family will be forced to live in their car after the Department of Housing rejected an application to relocate them.
The family was living in a Spalding home supplied by the department, but have left the property after constant break-ins, threats and intimidation from other people living in the area.
They have supplied more than 10 police reports to the department, including photos of the many break-ins at the property.
Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney and the family’s doctor Sann Lwin also supplied letters to the department calling for priority consideration for the young family.
It’s the second application the single-income family has had rejected in recent months.
Young mother Tenielle Jenkin doesn’t understand why the family’s request was declined.
“Getting declined for our application is ridiculous because we have enough proof and support letters in the application,” she said.
“We don’t want to go back to our house because I don’t want my young kids’ lives in danger.
It’s no place for them to live or to be raised, which is why we’ve left, we’ve just had enough and can’t be there anymore.
“It’s going to leave us homeless.
"We’re running out of options, and soon we’re pretty much going to be living in our car.”
Geraldton Police said the street was well-known and they regularly attended.
A spokesman for the police said there were “anti-social problems” in that particular street, and that it was subject to targetted patrols and high visual presence by police.
Department of Housing general manager of service delivery Steve Parry said it contacted WA Police as part of its assessment of the application.
“As part of the process to assess the tenants’ application for transfer, the department contacted the WA Police regarding four report numbers provided,” he said.
“Security screens are fitted to all windows and doors and the WA Police found no evidence of a successful break-in.”
“On the basis of the information supplied by the police, the department has declined the request for transfer.”
Geraldton Police yesterday contradicted the department’s statement, saying they had charged two youths with burglary at the family’s Bogle Way home.
Mr Parry said the tenants had been advised of their right of appeal.
“If the tenants do not wish to remain at the property, the department offers bond loans to assist them to access private rental accommodation,” he said.
