b'Support to start over At 78 years of age, Rick (pictured) lost everything. Tragically, Ricks home, along with all his possessions, were destroyed in the 2018bush and grass fires that tore across Victorias south-west. Around 280 firefighters were called to battleIt is his pragmatic way of thinking thatthe blazes that resulted in many losing theirhas helped him be resilient in the facehomes, businesses and livestock. of these challenges.I got completely burnt out, said Rick. Only worry about things that you can change, Due to the fire, I was homeless. he said.I lost everything. I preach this to every person I can.Luckily, Ricks family were able to reach out Only have opinions and influence on things to Uniting for support. that you can fix.They rang me two or three days later and Over the years, Rick has brought the communal said theyve found me a place. garden of his apartment block back to life.After living in Gippsland for the past 10 years,From herbs to vegetables to flowers, Ricks it just so happened that Ricks new home wasgarden is a marvellous sight that is both to be in the heart of Melbourne, where he hadbeautiful and practical. grown up. He even shares his produce with local cafesMelbourne is my favourite city in the world,and businesses. he said. I took them up some kale and some parsley It was like coming back home again. yesterday, he said.Three years on and Rick has made his UnitingIts only going to go to waste otherwise.apartment his permanent home.Rick has also made friends with the other Its amazing when you lose everything howtenants living in his building over the years.little you want. How little you need. We had a little coffee club going. Id make Sadly, the 2018 fires are not the only hardshipthem a coffee and wed chat about nothing,he has faced over the years. he joked. Rick has battled cancer, lived through aWhile Rick is sadly living proof that crisis can marriage break-up and the grief of losing strike anyone, he is content now he has a safe a daughter. and secure place to call home.12 Uniting Housing Annual Report 20212022'