Audrey is among those who would be considered "the hidden homeless".
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After being forced from her rental property in Dapto because of rising rents, she has been living with her three boys - aged 7, 10 and 14 - in one cramped room at the Piccadilly Motor Inn.
"I got evicted because they refused to maintain my property. Flea infestation, broken glass, the kitchen taps didn't work so I had to wash the dishes in the bath," she said.
"Every time I had a complaint, they disregarded me. Then they put the rent up and I couldn't pay, so we've been living at Piccadilly since May."
Audrey is 36, and originally from South Africa. With no family networks, no assistance from the Department of Housing, and nowhere else to turn, she was forced to move into the inn.
"I tried everything, I've applied for so many houses but I'm always knocked back," she said.
Audrey has since developed severe depression and anxiety due to her situation.
They have no kitchen, and almost all of her income goes to paying rent and having to buy takeaway foods. She was one of dozens to turn out for Wollongong Emergency Family Housing's drop-in day yesterday, picking up food and toiletries and getting assistance with Centrelink forms.