Linda Braam, a 69-year-old retiree from Geraldton, Western Australia, has been grappling with housing insecurity after being forced to vacate her rental unit in late 2024. This unit, part of a complex purchased by the state government for public housing, has remained unoccupied for over a year. Despite the state government's efforts to partner with the Salvation Army to manage the property, delays in tenanting due to maintenance and refurbishment issues persist. Currently, 124 out of 1,107 public housing properties in Geraldton are vacant, contributing to the ongoing housing crisis. Braam's struggle reflects a broader issue in the local housing market, where rising rents are pushing tenants out. She has moved multiple times in the past three years, facing stress and uncertainty as her current rental has also been sold to an investor. Local real estate experts note that new owners often increase rents significantly, further complicating the situation for renters like Braam, who worry about their ability to secure affordable housing.