Tom: Finding Stability in Melton

Tom*, 22 years old, was referred to the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach program while couch surfing in Melton. He has an intellectual disability and receives NDIS support seven days a week. Prior to becoming homeless, Tom was living in NDIS-funded Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), which broke down, leading him to stay temporarily with friends.

At the time of referral to the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach program, Tom was living in a share house. Initial engagement was challenging as he did not have a mobile phone, limiting consistent contact and support. 

Through grant funding secured by Hope Street, which is used to support young people with essential items, health and wellbeing needs, education, and housing set-up costs, a mobile phone was provided to Tom to improve engagement and connection with the service. While Tom initially experienced difficulty maintaining the phone and frequently misplaced it, the provision of this essential item enabled ongoing attempts to strengthen contact and support his involvement with the program. 

The worker liaised with Tom’s NDIS support worker to maintain communication, and together they agreed on a scheduled weekly catch-up to ensure ongoing contact. Tom’s primary housing goal was to secure a private rental, insisting he could manage independently. His occupational therapist and program workers raised concerns regarding his capacity to live alone, as Tom did not demonstrate insight into his living skills. The case manager worked with Tom to develop a structured case plan, using independent living skills assessments to break down tenancy responsibilities into small, achievable goals.  

Tom initially could not provide identification, believing his birth certificate was lost. Through discussions with his mobile outreach case manager about the importance of identification for rental applications, he was able to locate his birth certificate among his belongings. During this time, Tom reported feeling unsafe with his housemate and was unable to return to the share house. The worker contacted State Trustees and applied for funding to cover crisis accommodation, while the program provided additional support for motel stays.  

When a vacancy became available at the First Response Youth Refuge in Melton, Tom was successfully accepted into the program. Throughout the 8-week stay with the program, workers closely supported Tom to secure stable housing, including organising inspections at Supported Residential Services and rooming houses. With ongoing guidance, encouragement, and the structured case plan, Tom ultimately secured a studio in Melton and successfully settled into his new home. 

*Name changed to protect privacy.