A 25-year-old woman from Australia has explained how she finds places to stay while searching for permanent housing on the Gold Coast. Emily Webb says she became “unexpectedly homeless” after failing to secure a rental, despite offering to pay large sums in advance. She earns a strong income through OnlyFans and has a sizable following on Instagram, yet even with a budget of around AU $1,000 a week, she has struggled to find an available apartment during Australia’s ongoing housing shortage.

While living out of her car and staying with friends when she can, Webb has also turned to dating apps for temporary shelter. She uses Hinge to meet men who are willing to host her for a few nights at a time. In a TikTok video, she joked that she never realized how much she could save by not paying rent. She later told news.com.au that the approach has worked “surprisingly well,” adding that she usually avoids explaining her situation so she doesn’t place pressure on anyone.

Webb says she does not want to burden friends but feels less concerned about relying on strangers briefly. She shared that nothing unsafe has happened so far and that the temporary stays have helped her save significant money while she continues applying for rentals. She also noted that some connections end after a few days when the men realize she is using their place as a stopover.

Even so, Webb says the arrangement gives her time and flexibility to wait for the right apartment. She remains confident she will secure long-term housing soon and is trying to stay calm as she navigates the tight rental market.