Breakthrough in mum’s search for new home
A Gold Coast mum of twoyear-old twins who was left devastated by the tragic death of her partner has a new home thanks to the generosity of the local community.
Bella Ranieri, who is expecting her third child, had been searching for many months for a rental with partner Bernard Morrow, who was tragically killed in an accident at the M1 in Chinderah on February 5.
Following an appeal spearheaded by affordable housing advocate Tamika Smith and a front-page story in the Bulletin, Ms Ranieri has now been offered a two-bed unit on the Gold Coast.
The rental has been secured with the help of $18,500 raised by a GoFundMe appeal and significant private donations.
“An enormous thank you to everyone who contributed to the GoFundMe as well as the Gold Coast Community who stepped in,” Ms Smith said.
“Especially Serving our People as led by Yas Matbouly, Mannu Kala – KNG Group, Soheil Abedian – Abedian & Co and the Abedian Foundation and Michael Kollosche – Kollosche Group
“In addition to a home for these children and Bella we have secured any gaps in furniture as we hope to be able to set up the baby’s room as we anticipate Bella will go into labour any day now.”
Ms Smith was sharply critical of the Department of Housing, who Ms Ranieri had approached for help.
“The state has not contributed to anything to make this happen,” Ms Smith said. “As such we call upon them to see that Bella, her children and other women like her, get the help that they need long term to get this back on track.”
In a statement to the Bulletin last Thursday, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said she had ordered her department to assist Ms Ranieri.
“When I was advised of Ms Ranieri’s circumstances, I asked my department to follow up on their engagement with her, to reach out again and offer accommodation today and whatever support she may need,” she said.