Storm drains and car parks become a cold reality for victims of Queensland’s social housing crisis

Sarah Paasi and her 14-month-old son Marcus have spent 14 months on Queensland’s social housing waiting list, which has been criticised by the auditor general. Photograph: Dan Peled for Guardian Australia

During her 14 months on Queensland’s bulging social-housing waiting list, Sarah Paasi has learned that warm places to pass a winter’s night include car park staircases, storm drains and tunnels.

But the most pressing problem for the 26-year-old Brisbane woman on the nights she sleeps rough is what to do with her baby boy, Marcus.