can a single parent surviving solely on CL, pay $250 rent and survive financially?

[StrawberryMumma]

Gigi, you have NOTHING to feel guilty about hun.
You know things will get better sweety..this is just part of the journey. Hang in there xx

[Gigi]

cos i am putting bilby at risk, by living in such a volatile area.
i didn't realise it was this bad, when i signed the lease. i didn't know about the gangs, i had no idea the "customers" would be so obvious, so violent, so aggressive, on both sides of where we live (on a corner, our windows are just a few metres from the footpath) day and night
i felt like i had no choice, it was this place, or be on the waiting list indefinately.
and every time you move, you spend money moving, setting up and in this instance, paying money for security stuff as well (to have side and back gates made lockable, installing three security sensor lights wired in)
so the small nestegg i had, is very diminished, purely from this move - let alone moving AGAIN and setting up AGAIN.

i am scared i will end up, going back to X, purely to get bilby away from the risks associated with living here.

i was crazy to think i could make this work (leaving X). i will end up either losing bilby or losing my mind (living under same roof as X again).

[CrazyLady]

i didn't realise it was this bad, when i signed the lease. i didn't know about the gangs, i had no idea the "customers" would be so obvious, so violent, so aggressive, on both sides of where we live (on a corner, our windows are just a few metres from the footpath) day and night
i felt like i had no choice, it was this place, or be on the waiting list indefinately.
and every time you move, you spend money moving, setting up and in this instance, paying money for security stuff as well (to have side and back gates made lockable, installing three security sensor lights wired in)
so the small nestegg i had, is very diminished, purely from this move - let alone moving AGAIN and setting up AGAIN.

i am scared i will end up, going back to X, purely to get bilby away from the risks associated with living here.

i was crazy to think i could make this work (leaving X). i will end up either losing bilby or losing my mind (living under same roof as X again).

Hun, you didn't know how bad it was so basically you were doing the right thing. You have also taken the time (and money) to make it as secure as you can. That alone in my eyes shows you are doing your best so don't be so hard on yourself! You'll find a way!

[~Lashes~]

if it is possible, put in writing all the problems that you are faced with on a daily basis, the risks to your dd, with a drug area there are endless risks and safety concerns. put in an application for a transfer also put in a complaint to the ombudsman(?) for housing, make sure you keep all documentation for your reccords aswell.
dont stress about it to much, as hard as it is, this is your foot in the door, remember everyone starts somewere.
if you put in a transfer, it may take a few months, but would be worth it in the end. when ds1 & ds2 were little, we lived with df's dad, who was a reformed drug addict, the community house we were in, in a good estate of a good suburb, burnt down and we were put in a "drug central" court simmilar to were you have described, they knew his past, and knew of the dramas in that place, yet still placed him there, he put a transfer in after catching on to how it was, they did nothing at first, but after going to the ombudsman(?) they gave him another house. just to be sure if they do offer you somewere, get the address first, go check it out and speak to the neighbours, or local shop keepers, see what its like.

good luck, hang in there we all start somewere.

[Rainbow_Mumma]

Gigi I havent read most of the replys so just butting in my 2 cents, you have firstly nothing to feel guilty about. When me and my ex seperated I had no choice to but rent privately as the office of housing wouldnt move me despite my ex smashing windows daily. I paid 230 a week rent as well as kept up with my bills, fed me and my daughter she was still in nappies then too as well as study costs and travel (i didnt have a car at the time as my ex smashed it when i was leaving him) and we still had a little play money at the end.

Dont get me wrong its not easy but strict budgeting, paying bills fortnightly instead of when they arrive, ebay for kids clothing or even op shops some of them have really good clothes for very little here we have one who does $12 a bag and you stuff as much as you can into a bag and get a whole lot of clothes for $12 and quite often some still have the tags on!

It is do able and I dont regret doing it this way at all, good luck

[*becstar*]

Gigi I want to say Lu would kick your butt for speaking of yourself in such a bad light and considering going back to X just to get out

You CAN do it, you've already done the hardest part, leaving.

PLenty of single mums pay rent (private) and manage, I have a friend who does so and she does fine.

You are clever and smart, if you weren't hun you'd be happy to live there like all the lovely neighbours you have now

Be sure you are getting all you are entitled to and yes you will be eligable for Rent Assistance too. Have you done an estimate on the centrelink website?? that will let you know how much you will get if you are paying $250pw rent.

you are doing brilliantly, I wish I had half your guts.

xxx

[ladybird11]

Gigi - feel free to PM me re your safety concerns / issues anytime hun.

You've done the right thing, and yeah - Lu would kick your butt for thinking otherwise

xoxox

[widdly]

My sister and my friend are both single mums on CL and both pay $230 per week rent. It is doable. Housing trust will pay your bond and first weeks rent for you if you ring them and ask.

Please, please, please stop beating yourself up, you have done the right thing and it will work out and get easier xxxxxxx

[danniellabella]

See what the financial councillor says, but I think with careful planning and budgeting that you could do it from what everyone else has said.
Another thing to consider for saving money is (and you might be doing this already) - op shopping. Some places have some really great stuff, near new in many cases for so much less than brand new.

[beckoes]

just wanted to say your doing a great job with the situation you are in!!! and your trying to make it better, dont judge yourself so harshly!! your little one will thank you in the long run for all you are doing for her and for your self. things will get better! have confidence and be proud that you were brave enough to make a very hard change rather than just staying put casue it was easier!!! big big hugs.