Our Impact

In March 2025, Samira, a dedicated support worker in her late fifties with a strong repayment record, suffered a sudden stroke that left her unable to work. Overnight, she went from a steady income to relying on Centrelink payments while managing her recovery. With no family support and a history of family violence, she faced overwhelming financial and emotional strain.

MSV’s team quickly intervened, advocating with her bank to secure a long-term deferral on her mortgage repayments and a 0% interest rate for the deferral period. This gave Samira the breathing space to focus on rehabilitation without the constant fear of losing her home. “I was terrified I’d have to sell the house just to survive,” Samira said. “MSV made sure that didn’t happen. They took away the stress so I could heal.”

Today, Samira continues her recovery at home: safe, stable, and free from financial pressure. 

Maria and her husband, both pensioners in their seventies, came to MSV terrified of losing the home they had built together. Poor health, the collapse of their small business during the COVID years, and a predatory lender had left them facing foreclosure.

A caveat placed on their property by a non-regulated finance company blocked them from refinancing, while their lender charged an 11 per cent interest rate they could no longer afford. MSV’s financial counsellor negotiated with the lender and assisted Maria to work through the caveat issues with appropriate legal advice.

After months of advocacy, a long-term affordable arrangement was secured: arrears were capitalised, the interest rate was reduced and repayments set at an affordable amount. For the couple, this outcome meant safety and dignity in their remaining years. “We can finally focus on our health instead of the fear of losing our home,” Maria said. “MSV gave us hope when we had none left.”

Frank, a 75-year-old homeowner in regional Victoria living on the aged pension, faced escalating financial hardship after starting an online relationship and ceasing council rate and mortgage payments since 2022.

Isolated and experiencing cognitive decline, hoarding, and mobility issues, he presented to Mortgage Stress Victoria with over $20,000 in debt, including a $15,000 judgment for unpaid rates.

MSV developed a budgeting system in relation to bill payments, coordinated with support workers and banks to restrict scam-related access to his accounts, negotiated a reduction in home loan interest rate, and secured a $1,000 interest waiver and 90-day payment terms from council. Within six months, Frank transitioned from legal action and financial instability to a sustainable repayment plan and renewed peace of mind. 

When Ameer reached out to MSV, he was on the brink of losing the home he shared with his mother and adult daughter. Years earlier, his small business had collapsed, leaving behind more than $180,000 in unsecured debts across multiple credit cards and utility bills. Despite working casually as a labourer, repayments had become impossible.

MSV’s financial counsellor stepped in to help Ameer stabilise his finances and negotiate with creditors. Over several months, the team secured compassionate debt waivers from major banks and credit providers, totalling more than $150,000. They also helped Ameer enter an affordable payment plan for council rates and maintain his mortgage.

With this breathing room, Ameer found steady work and began rebuilding his confidence. “I can finally support my family again,” he said. “I understand my finances now — and I feel in control.”

Today, Ameer and his family remain in their home, free from the cycle of debt that once seemed unbreakable.