Most parents would understand this feeling, however for Jacob, his wife Kaylah and their three daughters sleep isn’t easy when you don’t know if the strange bed you’re sleeping in tonight will be the same tomorrow or if there will even be a bed to sleep on the night after that.

Courageously the family told their story and put their faces in the Camden Haven Courier to bring awareness to homelessness. Click here to read.

Homelessness is happening in our community. It affects families, couples as well as single people. Alcohol, drugs or poor life choices aren’t always the reason why people are homeless.

Circumstances and timing, medical issues and expenses have gone against the Humphryis family since their youngest daughter Zarah-Jade was born with multiple serious conditions over a year ago.

Jacob attended the first Barbecue for the Needy in Laurieton on August 5. The Humphryis managed to find accommodation temporarily at Dunbogan Caravan Park.

They are now supported at the refuge in Port Macquarie, McCosker House, to be closer to medical services for Zarah-Jade, and are able to stay for three months.

With the case workers there, Jacob and Kaylah are looking into more permanent housing, but the struggle of not having references and the 15-year waiting list for public housing means when their three month stint is over the young family may, once again, be homeless.

A kind gentleman contacted the Courier, after reading their story, with the offer of a temporary, furnished home in Taree while he travels overseas.

“Clem is a great bloke and I’ve been helping him clean his place up,” said Jacob.

“We do need to be closer to Port Macquarie for Zarah-Jade, but we are so grateful to have such a generous offer from Clem and to have his home as an option for us.”

While there have been a few offers of clothing, blankets, food and toys from the community, what the Humphryis need is a fair go, to prove themselves as good tenants. A home will give their children stability, security and establish a good routine and the every day life many of us take for granted. 

A home will give them a place to put the donations generously offered.

Looking at the smiling faces of the children and the love between Kaylah and Jacob, this family are a strong unit in need of a hand up.

Jacob and Kaylah came into the Courier on Friday to ask if they could convey their heartfelt thanks for the support they have received:

“We’re thankful to the people in the community who have opened their hearts to our family and the issue of homelessness,” Jacob said.

“Colin and Cathy Moss at the Dunbogan Caravan Park didn’t know our situation but made us feel so welcome and comfortable. They have been particularly kind and hospitable and we thank them for their support.”

Kaylah said: “The ladies at McCosker House in Port Macquarie made sure we settled in. It’s only been a week and it already feels like home. They had gifts for the girls, hampers, new cutlery and crockery, even a little box of nail polish for the girls and I to have some fun with. There were brand new sheets to put on the bed, food, nappies, blankets.”

Jacob added: “It’s been lovely to see the girls welcomed and made to feel comfortable. That relieves some of my stress as their father.”

The family is also grateful for the ongoing help of St Vincent de Paul.

“We are accessing help through New Horizons to get on our feet and we are grateful to have a stable place to live for three months,” Jacob said.