2025-08-08T08:10:31Z

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What would you do if a freak accident took everything away from you in just one year? This is the reality for Brendon, a father from Perth, whose life turned upside down after losing his home, car, and job, all in the span of 12 harrowing months. But just when hope seemed lost, a kind-hearted listener stepped in, offering a lifeline that could change everything.

Brendon, his partner, and their two teenage sons have been couch surfing and sleeping rough since they were forced to move out of their rental home. The start of their nightmare began in 2023 when they received devastating news: their landlord, stricken with cancer, needed to move back into their home. “The landlord got sick with cancer and needed to move in,” Brendon shared during an emotional interview with ABC Radio Perth. “We had three months to find a new place and went to so many home opens but couldn’t get anything.”

Things took a turn for the worse when a tree fell on his car during a freak storm, a disaster that left Brendon without transportation to his job as a roof tiler. Losing the car meant losing his job, and with his partner Carmen battling serious health issues, the family's situation became increasingly dire. “Carmen had another seizure. It can happen at any time,” Brendon revealed. “We’re always on edge, and being in this homelessness situation puts more stress on Carmen, which is causing the seizures.”

In a parallel story, Tess Hulshoff faced her own struggles. After fleeing from a violent ex-partner with her children, she found herself homeless, couch surfing and living in short-stay hotels. “We’re on a priority housing list, which has a two-year wait. We’re still trying to get housing. It’s just hard,” she lamented, highlighting the dire circumstances many families face.

Brendon had always worked hard to provide for his family, but after losing everything, he found himself in a desperate situation. That’s where the community stepped in. Through the 'Breakfast Blitz' campaign by ABC Perth in partnership with Uniting WA, he shared his story, leading to a remarkable act of kindness.

A listener named Heather, touched by Brendon’s plight, decided to donate her car, which could help him get back on his feet. “I thought this car that I was about to put online to sell would really help you get your job back and get on your feet again,” she explained. When Brendon arrived at the ABC studios, an emotional moment awaited him—a well-maintained station wagon filled with food and a full tank of petrol, ready to drive him towards a brighter future.

“It means the world to me. This is going to be a really big boost and a big push in the right direction,” Brendon expressed gratefully. His new wheels not only represent transportation but a symbol of hope and new beginnings for his family.

As awareness grows about the urgent need for social housing, the consequences of homelessness become more visible, with up to 300 rough sleepers queuing outside Uniting WA’s Tranby Engagement Hub for a meal each day. This vital service is kept afloat by the generosity of the community, with volunteers emphasizing that every little bit helps. “A good society is one that looks after people that have less than they do,” said retired teacher and Tranby volunteer Kate. “If at the grassroots, we can bring in that packet of cereal or work a shift a month, then everybody is contributing.”

The 'Breakfast Blitz' campaign concludes on August 15 with a live broadcast from ABC studios in East Perth. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, support each other, and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.