From five rejections to the right SDA home in Belmont 

After a long road to secure the right housing, our tenant, Geoffrey , 57, is now at home in Belmont, in a place that feels safe, spacious and well-suited to his mobility needs. 

Geoffrey uses a wheelchair and also gets around with a walker. In his previous home, everyday safety was a real concern. Geoffrey, his mum and sister wanted a safer setup, with more space to move comfortably and a layout that was easier to navigate. 

But Geoffrey’s road to SDA wasn’t an easy one. 

His SDA funding application was rejected five times. While Geoffrey found this disheartening, he and his support team kept applying until he was finally approved! For others going through the same process, Geoffrey has one simple piece of advice: 

“Keep going.” 

Geoffrey and his family did, determined to secure housing that truly matched his needs. That persistence paid off. 

When his SDA was finally approved, his support coordinator, Michelle, helped him find his new home. His prerequisites were that he wanted to stay in his local community, be close to his mum, and live in a home that meant he could live independently and safely. Luckily, Michelle found a Guardian Living home that ticked all the boxes. 

Now settled into a three-bedroom shared SDA house at Belmont, Geoffrey says he has never lived in a house so nice. . 

“I love Belmont full stop. It’s the best. I just love being in my home.” 

Geoffrey has built a routine that supports independence and connection. He visits his mum in Norlane, enjoys outings with his carers, keeps active with the gym, and works at GDP in North Geelong twice a week. He also has a girlfriend who comes and visits him at his home. Geoffrey also loves talking to her on the phone. 

“I love the space in my home and I feel so safe here,” he says. 

For Geoffrey, having the right home in place has meant more comfort, more confidence, and more time to focus on the things that make life feel good. 

When it comes to his advice for others who are considering making the move into SDA, Geoffrey says, “just go for it!”