Please help Dennis

Hello

I’m reaching out to the community of Canberra and wider surrounding districts in particular, in the help someone maybe able to help our mature aged friend (Dennis) who lost absolutely everything he owned last Wednesday morning 14 April in a house fire.  He was unfortunately not insured.

He lived in a small cottage that he rented for a very minimal amount on a property between Braidwood & Bungendore. Unfortunately Dennis had to sleep in his car with his 2 dogs on the first night as he had nowhere to stay.  He is currently now couch surfing. Anglicare kindly gave him 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, a jumper, towel, pillow & doona.

Dennis is a mature aged gentleman who is quiet & very well spoken.  Dennis is desperate to find accommodation for himself and does not mind (& would actually prefer) something that is run down - possibly a cottage or shed that he could stay with his two dogs (a small scruffy dog and a pure bred Labrador) for a minimal amount of rent and that has good internet so he can stay connected.

Unfortunately Dennis does not have a job as he has lost everything.  He used to do some computer work from home and would also look after people’s dogs if they went away on holidays.  That would be a minimal amount but enough for him to pay for his living expenses.  He does receive NewStart allowance but lives very simply. He would also help out with small jobs but as he has lost absolutely everything he owned he doesn’t even have any tools to do anything!  It truly is a devastating position to be in.  He is extremely overwhelmed and has no idea how he will rebuild his life and start over again!

He has looked after our two dogs for many years and our dogs never want to leave him as he cares so deeply for all dogs that he comes across.


Obviously we need to try and get Dennis into some form of accommodation before we can re-establish him with some personal belongings & home contents.


I would like to encourage everyone to please reach out to as many people as you possibly can to see if anyone has any accommodation anywhere available on any properties surrounding Canberra, Queanbeyan, Hall, Sutton, Gundaroo, Murrumbateman, Yass, Bungendore, Braidwood, Collector & Gunning. It does not matter at all if the accommodation is run down at all. He would be grateful for anything so long as he can keep his 2 dogs with him & pay a minimal amount as he does not have much money.


I am also going to be starting a go fund me page to help Dennis as it will take a lot to establish him once again.


Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in spreading the word to find Dennis a place to live, donating any money you possibly can and if anyone has any old tools for Dennis to re-start that would also be a bonus.   It’s just very difficult to get him anything until we have somewhere for him to live.




Thank you.