Stories

Since 2018 we have been building a strong partnership with Beyond Housing who provide housing and support services to people suffering the devastating impacts of housing insecurity.

Below are some quotes from people we have helped to house.

Sandra’s story

Sandra’s path into community housing has been a long one with many challenges. Moving into one of Beyond Housing’s new properties, built with the support of the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, ended decades of housing instability for Sandra.

“I’ve been waiting for years and years for housing, and this is probably the first time I’ve had something I can call home,” she said.

Sandra had first sought housing support more than 30 years earlier, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Challenges would only compound in the following years, as Sandra experienced cancer a second time before her then-husband was diagnosed with cancer too. The series of health problems made their financial situation extremely precarious.

“Even though rent was cheaper then, it was still very difficult to afford while also paying medical fees for both of us,” Sandra said. “Medical expenses sort of have to come first because you’re not here otherwise. But the fees pile up, so even when you budget very carefully, you just fall further and further behind.”

Despite their circumstances, Sandra and her husband had little luck finding more affordable accommodation. “We didn’t seem to ever get anywhere with housing. We didn’t even get a phone call to look at a house,” she said.

Sandra faced further housing insecurity when she left her husband in 2021 with “nothing but a suitcase”. She was unable to find a private rental in the Greater Shepparton region despite a strong rental history. “I was desperate for somewhere to live. It was incredibly stressful,” she said. “It’s difficult when you’re restricted with your budget, and your age can make it harder too,” she said. “I was desperate for somewhere to live. It was incredibly stressful. I ended up having to live in Melbourne with my daughter for a year and a half. But she’s got her own kids, and even though it was good, it wasn’t my home.”

Eventually, Sandra secured a private rental in Nagambie and later in Murchison, yet both properties had significant issues. Sandra said affording rent was often unrealistic on a pension. “If you already own a house and a car, the pension will probably be enough for you to survive,” she said. “But when you’re paying rent on top of food, medical, and car rego, it becomes really difficult. If you get a flat tire or your car breaks down, you have to go for an advance, so you fall even more behind.”

Managing competing financial priorities while living on a pension remains a challenge for Sandra, but being in community housing and paying affordable rent, capped at 30% of her income, has been a significant help. “It’s a huge weight off your mind to know you have somewhere long-term to stay,” she said. “I love it. To me, this is my home now.”