Geelong’s Jessie Moore will share their experiences of homelessness in a high-level think-tank hoping to find solutions to Australia’s housing crisis.
The 20-year-old Meli client is one of 100 people selected to participate in a national event aimed at driving reform to improve housing affordability, security and choice.
Australia’s first ever AMPLIFY housing deliberation will take place in Sydney this weekend, giving a voice to people from all walks of life.
Jessie is excited to attend the in-person event, where the panel will consider 14 key reforms across a range of areas designed to improve access to housing.
“Some of the reforms talk about homelessness. Because I’ve been through that and know how it feels, I’m hoping my experiences could help,” they said.
Jessie moved to Geelong from Werribee in 2023 to live in supported accommodation as part of a 12-month mental health program. When it ended, Jessie moved into a private rental but had to leave due to fears for their safety.
Homeless, scared and without family nearby, Jessie was referred to Meli and placed in short-term crisis accommodation, eventually moving into transitional housing as part of Meli’s Lead Tenant Program.
“You have three to four people in a house, and the lead tenant is there to help with whatever you need help with. I’ve had a few issues – you have to learn how to live with other people who might not have the same way of living as you. It’s usually a 12-month program and is a really good experience,” Jessie explained.
The future is looking bright. Jessie is now living in Grovedale in one of Meli’s transitional housing properties with housemates and a lead tenant. They are also about to start a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Support with help from a scholarship through Orygen Institute.
Jessie hopes their experiences of homelessness will make a worthwhile contribution to the National Housing Amplification in Sydney from February 21-23 and lead to reforms that improve access to safe and affordable housing for everyone.
Lead Tenants are volunteers who live with young people in a property in exchange for fully subsidised rent and utilities. Meli is looking for Lead Tenants to support young people as they work towards living independently. Find out more here.
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