Pregnant mum and two children forced to live in car after facing rent increase she could not afford

A pregnant mum-of-two was forced to turn to her car for shelter after a rent increase left the family without a home.

Cassandra, from Rockingham, south-west Perth, found out she was pregnant with a third child late last year, meaning her five- and one-year-old children would soon be getting a younger sibling.

Unfortunately, that December was also the month when the family had to leave their home and move in to their Ford Territory, because they were no longer able to afford the rent.

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As summer in Australia turned into winter, Cassandra struggled to keep her and her kids warm as they lived in the car.

She told 9News: "It's been extremely cold.

"There were times where our car battery actually would die because we'd have to use it to heat trying to keep all of us from getting sick."

As well as struggling to pay rent, price increases also impacted Cassandra's ability to pay for food.

"We weren't able to afford food that we really needed to keep ourselves healthy and strong, so that made it very difficult for us," she said.

"There were times when me and my partner would miss out to make sure our kids had what they needed."

After eight months of living in the car, the family found support in the local Salvation Army, which has seen homelessness rise by 250 percent in Rockingham this year alone.

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Chelsea Wilson, who works for the organisation, said the increasing figures are 'heartbreaking to see', but added: "Currently we are seeing we are at capacity for what we can provide and we really do need to be resourced further."

Cassandra and her family have finally secured a new home after months of turmoil, but with rates for housing costs at their highest level since 2011 in Australia, there will no doubt be many other families still facing similar struggles.

With a new premier now set to replace Mark McGowan, candidates in the election have stressed that more needs to be done for those in need.

Hayley Edwards, who is running as an independent candidate, said: "We need significant investment in Rockingham to help our families."

Madeleine De Jong, for the Greens, added: "People are dissatisfied with the WA Labor government and they're looking for a change."

Magenta Marshall, who is Labor's candidate to replace McGowan, said: "It's great to talk about Labor's strong record of delivering relief, although there's always more that can be done."