Heart-breaking image captures reality of rental crisis
A heart-breaking photo has highlighted the reality of Australia's rental crisis, with a six-year-old boy and his mother forced to live in their ute for four long months.
Mackay, a 38-year-old mum from Perth, and her son Charlie spent two years couch-surfing with friends and family after Mackay escaped an abusive relationship.
After continuously getting knocked back from rental properties due to Mackay's lack of credit and tenant history, the family had no choice but to sleep in their car during the freezing winter months.
Their situation got so desperate that Mackay put out a plea for help on their local community Facebook page.
Claire Orange, a therapist and co-founder of cyber safety program Digii Social, spotted the post and opened up her home to the pair.
"I instantly recognised Charlie's school uniform in a picture Mackay posted and contacted the school to understand their situation," Ms Orange said.
"I found out a rental would become available for them within a month and offered they stay with me while they waited."
Ms Orange, herself a mother of four, described Mackay as a "remarkable" mum who consistently put her boy first.
"I admire her terrifically for her fortitude and resilience," Ms Orange said.
"I cannot give this woman any more credit. She looked after her son exceptionally and made sure she did everything to keep him stable, healthy and clean."
"Taking him to school every day, cooking for him, putting up her small summer tent when the weather allowed so that they were able to sleep lying stretched out instead of bundled up."
"She's a remarkable, ferocious mumma who's put her child's needs first consistently."
Claire has since started a GoFundMe for Mackay and Charlie to get back on their feet, as they are "on the cusp" of moving into social housing.
The funds will be used to help Mackay and Charlie buy furniture and whitegoods for their home.
"Mackay and Charlie have been part of our family for the last month - and what a delightful gift they've been," Ms Orange wrote on the GoFundMe page.
"And now that a home is available - I'd love to give Mackay and Charlie enough money to start their new life together."
Australia is facing a major housing crisis with rental prices skyrocketing to keep up with soaring mortgage costs, with vacancy rates plummeting.
Image credits: GoFundMe