Home at last

Being homeless with four children under 10 was never the life Judy pictured for herself, but it became her reality after fleeing from her violent partner.

Judy* packed the car and moved with her children to another town. They found a house to rent that was close to some relatives. After living in fear for so long, finally they could all breathe.

But it didn’t last long.

A serious mould issue in the house forced the family to move out. With nowhere else to go, Judy’s worst fears were realised – her family was homeless.

After reaching out to Mission Australia she found short-term accommodation in a women’s refuge, but this was still far from the security Judy wanted for her children. Feeling down and discouraged, Judy developed anxiety and her mental health declined. Thankfully, through Mission Australia she was able to receive support to help her cope with her situation.

Determined to give her children safety and stability, Judy continued to search for somewhere to live but was unable to find anything affordable. Support workers gave her the help she needed, and the family was soon approved for priority public housing.

Judy also completed budgeting and tenancy preparation programs at the refuge to give her family the best chance of success in the future.

Thanks to the generous support of people like you, things are looking up for Judy and her children.

The family have been in their new home for 12 months now. Judy is working at a local preschool, and her two older children are thriving at school with the confidence that comes from having a stable living situation.

Despite all that they have been through, Judy smiles when she thinks about the future, knowing that her family has a safe place to call home.

*Names and images have been changed to protect the identities of the people we helped