After progressing from an extended period of sleeping rough to finding housing, Bob Petersen has a renewed focus.
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"I'm so happy, I've got no problems," the 74-year-old said. "What I've got to do (now) is just get a new life, which I'm trying to do."
After being left homeless, Mr Petersen spent the best part of two years riding the train of a night between Kiama and Central.
Wollongong Emergency Family Housing/Wollongong Homeless Hub staff recently encountered Mr Petersen during their outreach on the trains.
Mr Petersen then stayed at the Homeless Hub's crisis accommodation while working with the Hub team to look at pathways to a long-term housing solution.
Since the Mercury spoke to Mr Petersen in August, he has secured a private tenancy unit in Corrimal under the 'Together Home' program.
Since moving in three weeks ago, he said life was "really good", and he was getting involved in activities such as the Men's Shed.
"It's my home - and I'm very happy with it," he said.
"They've found me a place and I'm very thankful for what they've done.
"I feel very safe. I go home, I've got a place to stay and I've got no worries about where I'm going to sleep the next night.
"I don't have to worry about which train I'll get tomorrow night."
Earlier this year, community housing provider the Housing Trust announced it would partner with Wollongong Family Emergency Housing and NEAMI National to deliver wraparound case management services for the Together Home program.
Together Home was announced by the NSW Government in June.
The program aims to transition people who were sleeping rough into subsdised secure housing, while also providing access to health and well-being services.
The Housing Trust leases appropriate properties from private landlords and real estate agents to provide rental housing for program participants.
Together Home program senior case worker Natalie Woodhams is Mr Petersen's case worker.
"Now that Bob's got that foundation and has a safe home, that's one huge problem out of his life," Ms Woodhams said.
"Bob's a great example of how great this program is. He's gone from trains to tranquility - living a tranquil life in a beautiful property."
Trust CEO Michele Adair said the program had already housed nine people in the Illawarra, including Mr Petersen, and will eventually house 22 people in total.
While the Housing Trust has already secured some properties for the Together Home program, more are needed.
Anyone who is interested in supplying a property for the Together Home program can contact the Housing Trust on 4254 1166.
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Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
