A lack of affordable accommodation options in Goulburn has brought members of the community together to work on a solution to the problem.
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Resident Ange Harding decided to create a community group Goulburn Help A Mate on Facebook after hearing about a local family who was evicted.
"They were facing homelessness after trying to secure an accommodation for months. That was the straw that broke the camel's back," she said.
Her husband Don and his family have been long-term Goulburn residents while she is from Darwin.
"I knew I had to take some form of action as I believe that the grassroots community can achieve a lot. It's a matter of bringing people together, which is what this group aims to do with the help of social media," she said.
Mrs Harding spoke of instances where those facing temporary homelessness hired a van or camper and even went to the extent of pitching a tent to ensure a roof over their head.
"It may help to take the pressure off when it comes to providing that immediate response to the temporary housing need," she added.
"We are also looking for people who have suitable land where these vehicles can be parked safely."
Meanwhile, she also plans to approach local members about addressing red tape issues and for affordable housing options to be made available which includes tiny house communities and sustainable off-grid communities, etc.
"These could become legitimate options for home ownership for those currently locked out of the market," she said.
The members of the community are also thinking of other innovative ways in which this problem can be solved with some offering a spare room in their homes and other suggesting making contact with owners of vacant buildings that are a suitable condition to be rented out.
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