News Corp Australia
Updated 3 Jun 2026, 2:26pm
First published 3 Jun 2026, 2:00pm
An Adelaide community has rallied behind a family struggling to pay rent.
A family struggling to keep a roof over their heads has turned to washing cars to try to make ends meet.
Residents of Adelaide’s northern suburbs have rallied behind the young family, inundating them with car washing requests, after they revealed unexpected bills had left them without the $550 they needed for rent.
To make up the rent shortfall, the family said it was offering to wash or detail cars, at a charge of $30 to $50 each.
“This is honestly really embarrassing for us and we hate having to ask for help publicly but we’re doing everything we can to get through today and keep a roof over our heads for our family,’’ said the mother from the Munno Para area.
The family offered to wash cars for the cash, refusing any donations.
“My partner had to take time off work recently while our son was sick and after he fractured his finger (so) his pay was already smaller than usual.
“It (bills) just all hit at once today, unfortunately.’’
After the family’s plight was revealed on social media, hundreds of people rushed to their aid, asking them to come and wash their vehicles.
Some even offered cash donations to help, which were declined.
MORE NEWS
Illegal parking act sparks firm warning
SA property prices smash another record
South Aussies warned: Watch out for rogue tradies
“We really don’t want handouts and would much rather work for the money by doing cars,’’ the mum said.
“It definitely hasn’t been easy lately but we’re just trying to do what we can to keep things going and support our family.
“Even though things are tough for us right now, there are definitely families doing it even harder.’’
The family raised $100 washing cars in the first afternoon and, after their property manager agreed to extend the deadline to pay their rent until Monday, they continued to work over the weekend to raise the remaining funds.
By Monday morning, when their rent was due, they were just $100 short, with requests from those wanting their cars washed still being received on Tuesday.
South Australian Council of Social Service chief executive officer Catherine Earl said it was heartening to see communities work together to help the family, but it also highlighted the need for more government measures to reduce living costs.
“We know that the rental market in South Australia is incredibly tight, with very low vacancy rates,’’ Dr Earl said.
“When this is coupled with increases in the cost of basic essentials such as food, energy and fuel then it is becoming increasingly challenging for more and more South Australian households – particularly those on low incomes – to keep up.
“One area the state government has made progress on is introducing more public housing stock and we would like to see even more being done in this area as it will lead to downward pressure on prices while allowing more people to access safe and secure housing.’’
– by Lauren Ahwan
Help us improve your reading experience
Got a minute? Your feedback will help us build a better experience for you.
Help us improve this page
English (US) · 