Finding freedom

After arriving in Australia from Burundi in 2011, Jamali was priced out of the rental market and struggled to find an affordable house.

“It is not always easy to get a rental or support if you have a visa or are a refugee because you are not a permanent resident,” Jamali said.

The competitiveness of the private rental market meant that Jamali relied on affordable housing offered through community housing providers like Believe Housing Australia to provide a roof over his head.

Jamali has been a Believe Housing Australia tenant since 2020.

Reem said that Believe Housing Australia recognises the importance of safe and affordable housing for refugees.

“We have assisted and housed refugees from various backgrounds for many years to help them rebuild their lives in their new home,” Reem said.

“We work closely with refugee support organisations and assist our refugee tenants to connect to essential services for community integration, and to overcome barriers.”

Believe Housing Australia transferred Jamali to a larger property in 2022 to better accommodate his family, who had not all been under the same roof since before Jamali arrived in Australia. After being separated for so long due to COVID-19 border closures in Australia and difficulty obtaining visas, the last of Jamali’s four children arrived in the country just six months ago.

Jamali said that without the pressure of finding a house to live in, he could focus on spending quality time with his children.

“Believe Housing Australia provided a lot of support to me and people like me who arrive in Australia,” he said.

“I am very happy now that all my children are home and we have a long-term house that we can live in for many years.

“Everything here in Australia is perfect and I am happy to be here.”

Refugee Week in 2024 celebrates the theme of Finding Freedom, which is not always easily obtained for refugees arriving in Australia.

Housing is fundamental in assisting refugees to settle in their new lives. It provides a stable and secure place to explore the local community, employment options, or educational opportunities.

However, refugees are finding it increasingly difficult to secure stable housing.

Limited income, a lack of affordable housing options, language barriers, landlord discrimination, and a lack of previous rental history are just a few of the barriers that block refugees from private rentals, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

“Finding a rental can be especially challenging for refugees because of their circumstances, which can lead to discouragement and stress,” said Reem, Believe Housing Australia Placemaking & Area Improvement Officer.

“They just want to be able to start their new lives.”