MELBOURNE: A Sunshine Coast family, whose plans to create independent accommodation for their son were derailed by the collapse of a tiny home company, has received an unexpected lifeline through a donation from national housing provider Homes and Granny Flats.
Paul and Kristene Bowley had been working towards building a granny flat for their son, Sean, who lives with an intellectual disability. The project was intended to provide him with a safe, independent living environment while allowing him to remain close to family support.
Those plans came to an abrupt halt after the family lost more than $42,000 when tiny home supplier My Little House entered voluntary administration in June 2026. Despite paying deposits and other project costs, the home was never delivered, leaving the family without the accommodation they had planned while also facing a substantial financial setback.
After learning of the family’s unfortunate situation through media reports, Homes and Granny Flats offered to supply and install a fully equipped 20-foot Portable Expander home at no cost.
The donated home was delivered and installed at the family’s property on 14 July, marking the culmination of months of uncertainty and allowing the original vision for Sean’s independent living arrangement to proceed.
“When we saw their story, we couldn’t just sit back and do nothing,” says Christopher Sarkis, Managing Director for Homes and Granny Flats. “This wasn’t about a failed project; this was about a family trying to build a better future for their son.”
“They had done everything right and were left in an incredibly difficult position. We wanted to give them certainty again and help restore some hope,” he adds.
Though initially hesitant, the Bowleys accepted the offer after speaking with the Homes and Granny Flats team. “We felt incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness and to be able to see the joy again in Sean’s face that he was actually getting his house, is a memory that will hold a place in our hearts,” they say.
Homes and Granny Flats hopes the donation offers encouragement to other Australians experiencing housing and financial pressures. The company has also invited those affected by the My Little House collapse to reach out and discuss available housing options and support pathways.