Perth family left homeless for second time in a week
A struggling Perth family has been left homeless for the second time in a week, when a bushfire damaged their emergency accommodation.
The suspicious blaze tore through the Perth Hills on Friday, sending flying embers into two air conditioning units in a church building.
The young parents, their four disabled sons and infant daughter had been living in the church accommodation as a "last resort" since their lease ran out last week, leaving them homeless.
Teresa Johns and Adam Bower have applied for state housing for their family of seven. Nine
The family's emergency accommodation was destroyed by fire. Nine
The family had just moments to escape with their lives when the fire approached.
Most of their possessions have been destroyed.
"To lose everything... is really hard," Teresa Johns said.
The mother of five told 9News the family owes their lives to a stranger who jumped the fence and helped them evacuate.
"I'd give her the biggest hug and say thank you for saving me and my family - she put her life at risk for me and my family," she said.
Teresa Johns says the family owes their lives to a stranger who jumped the fence to help them evacuate. Nine
The fire approached quickly, giving them just moments to escape. Nine
The children's father Adam Bower said they have applied for state housing and were put on a priority list.
But he is not sure where they'll live until then.
"We know we are not the only ones struggling, but for the government to tell people they have to wait nine months for emergency housing, how is that an emergency?" he said.
The family of seven will tonight sleep in one room at a family member's house.
The New Life Church in Belleview is taking donations of money and clothes to help the family.
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