After 30 years in the same home in Little Bay, Colleen never expected she’d have to start over.
She and her husband had built a life there, but after he passed away in the house, staying became too difficult.
“It was very traumatic to move after 30 years,” Colleen says. “I went from a three-bedroom place to a one-bedroom apartment. When I moved, I needed all new furniture, because nothing I had in my house would fit. It was very expensive and very stressful.”
With help from generous friends, Colleen slowly made the new place feel like home. She bought furniture that fit, settled into the community and even transformed the shared courtyard at her own cost. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
Then, just two years later, Colleen learned she’d be moved again.
“I just blew up,” she says. “I’d only just got here, and after a great expense. I said, ‘I’m not going’.”
For women living in social housing, stability can sometimes feel out of reach. The thought of packing up her life again brought fear, frustration and stress for Colleen. But it was during this time that Women’s Housing Company tenancy manager, Kelly, stepped in.
“Kelly, she’s very down to earth. We got on very well,” says Colleen. “She explained everything to me, and it calmed me down.”
Kelly visited Colleen at home, met with other residents and helped them understand what was happening and why. Most importantly, she listened.
At first, Colleen wasn’t convinced any new home could be worth another move.
“I was determined that if it’s not better, I’m not moving. If it’s too far away, I’m not going. My community is here,” Colleen says. “But I’ve got to tell you, it’s the best place ever. I feel very safe. It’s very secure. The security doors are good and we have an intercom. I’m quite happy.”
And the close-knit community of women who moved with Colleen has become just as important.
“We have a WhatsApp chat group, and everybody helps each other,” Colleen continues. “If I make a big pot of soup. I tell them to bring a bowl, and they all come up and get some. It’s lovely.”
What began as a change Colleen never wanted has become a fresh start. With support, information and a safe place to land, she has found something everyone deserves: a home where she can feel secure, connected and at peace.
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