For almost 20 years Gordon’s life was his camper van, reduced to ‘life on the road’ after chronic pain forced him out of full-time work at the age of 50.
At 83, Gordon has traded his nomadic lifestyle for the comfort and support of permanent accommodation through the Y, formerly YMCA, Affordable Housing Program.
Gordon’s health, both physically and mentally, was very run down after 19 years of being homeless and on the road.
“When I was on the road time flew by as I was always meeting new people, however due to deteriorating health it became unsustainable,” he said.
“Stability wasn’t a huge concern for me until I got older and my health got worse. I needed to take my health more seriously and needed the stability that I now have at the Y.”
Godron Evans
Eight years ago, Gordon moved into a ground floor unit at Nowell B Taylor House, drawn by the affordable rent to subsidise his modest pension and the chance for a healthier lifestyle.
“I cook for myself, and I’m proud of my garden where I grow veggies and herbs and share with my neighbours who need the extra leg up,” Gordan said.
“At Taylor House, I am only half an hour away from my kids. I have better access to healthcare and support and the ability to see my six grandchildren more often.”
Gordon considers himself lucky with the waitlist for affordable housing in Queensland, which can be more than 40,000 people long.
According to the 2024 Y Affordable Housing report, 77% of all surveyed tenants reported increased stability since living at the Y Affordable Housing.
The recently published report from the Y shows not only the impact of stable, affordable housing for Queenslanders but also the opportunity for community, reconnection, and support networks. Key findings in 2024 include:
- 90% of tenants feel safe in their units, with 62% having never felt unsafe in the past three months.
- 86% of the tenants reported feeling more connected to other people since living at the Y.
- 77% reported being able to access health-related services and support when needed.
- 79% reported their income is sufficient for their needs.
- 52% reported an increased sense of control over their lives.
- 64% reported an increased sense of being free to live how they wish.
Many residents who’ve been fortunate enough to be housed have experienced challenging circumstances such as homelessness, domestic or family violence, substance abuse, incarceration, or disability—impacting their ability to hold employment or make rental payments.
For further data on the impact of the Y’s affordable housing, download the full report here.
