Joanne's Story

Jo grew up in the social housing suburb of Koonawarra in the 70’s. An idyllic childhood filled with water sports, family holidays and friendships. Born to English immigrants, her parents didn’t hesitate to relocate to the lakeside suburb surrounded by beautiful hills and creeks. Social housing in the UK was considered the norm for working class people.

“I didn’t know there was a stigma attached to social housing and the area where I grew up until I was a teenager. Some of my friends in high school lived in two story brick homes around Kanahooka, where our little house was fibro. Mum and Dad did so many renovations, making it bigger and more beautiful, we had a very comfortable home.’’

Jo believes growing up in a more affordable home enabled a better lifestyle for her and her family during her childhood. “As an adult, my children and I have faced homelessness because of a lack of affordability. I have an amazing job with a good income, but still live in housing stress. I believe housing should go back to being a human right, not a vehicle for building wealth. There is so much that can be done, everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home”.