Sonia
Sonia’s Story Sonia was born and raised on Dharawal Land. She is a strong and resilient Aboriginal woman working to trace her ancestral roots. Her mum was a Wiradjuri Woman and her dad a Kamilaroi Man. ‘’I grew up in social housing here in the Illawarra, the youngest of seven. Mum did everything she could […]
Tyrone
Tyrone’s Story Tyrone has been living in a brand new Housing Trust property since December 2021. As the eldest of four siblings, he has always taken on responsibility roles within the family. He recognises the difficulties his mother experiences as a single parent, helping wherever possible while still being able to achieve his own goals […]
Selai
Selai’s Story Please watch the video below to hear Selai’s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4lbRxPLCok&t=26s
Razan
Razan’s Story Razan is 22 years old and has lived with her family in a Housing Trust property since 2015. Over the years, she has not only received support through affordable housing but also through her education, being fortunate to receive the Tylah West Education Scholarship throughout her undergraduate degree. She has completed a Bachelor […]
Nikayla
Nikayla Please watch the video below to hear Nikayla’s story. Following senior leadership transitions, Nikayla Beer-Herring was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and joined the Housing Trust Executive Team. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rgx8nCe2lQ
Michele
Michele’s Story Please watch the video below to hear Michele’s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhkhQhNq-9M&t=67s
Lyn
Lyn’s Story After 50 years working as a midwife, Lyn never imagined she would be on the brink of homelessness. It wasn’t until she went through a divorce at 58-years-old that she started a long, desperate struggle to find somewhere affordable to live. “I sold the family home to finalise the divorce settlement. I tried […]
Pat & John
Pat & John’s Story Pat Pat and her husband John celebrate 52 years of marriage this year. Pat moved to the Illawarra from Melbourne in 1967. She and John always loved the Illawarra for scenery and the people who live here. Due to health problems, Pat and John have had help from Wollongong and Port […]
Jodie
Jodie’s Story ‘Adversity creates dreams and dreams become realities’. ‘Building the power within has a formula: Respect + Resilience + Responsibility + Reciprocity’. ‘Social Housing provides the place for our dreams to manifest’. Dr Jodi Edwards, Walbunja woman of Yuin Nation with kinship connection with Dharawal Country. An injury forced her to leave an illustrious […]
Joanne
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 […]
Peter & Dean
Pete & Dean’s Story “Home. The starting place for family, friendships, and creating memories.”
Bob & Sandra
Bob & Sandra’s Story Bob and Sandy met in their forties at Kembla Grange Race Track. Bob was punting and Sandy was pouring beers. Both recognised in the other a kindness, strength, and love of life, and a deep and lasting friendship was born. Bob was a Sydney boy who went on to become a […]