John

John’s Story John is a tenant of Housing Trust. He was born in Bega 70 years ago and moved to the Illawarra 40 years ago. John has been a tenant of Housing Trust for 11 years. John is super appreciative of the home he has been given with Housing Trust. “I feel very grateful…especially over […]

Fab 4

Fab 4’s Story Tanya, Peta, Angie, and Nisita are the four longest serving members of Housing Trust. All four of the ladies started at Housing Trust at its George Street, Wollongong Office. There is a combined 58 years of service to Housing Trust between them. “You don’t work in social housing for 10 plus years […]

Jenna

Jenna’s Story “I never missed out. “Some people see Social Housing as an ‘easy option’ or ‘people that should get a job’. When I hear these comments, I really feel the stigma for Social Housing needs to end. My dad was and still is a hardworking man, from 7am till 4pm everyday he went off […]

Dean

Dean’s Story Dean is a kind, gentle, and unassuming man. He identifies as Aboriginal and has Indian and Scottish heritage. His grandfather bought some of the first camels to outback Australia from Punjab Pakistan and his great grandfather on his mother’s side was from the Campbell Clan of Argyle. Removed from his parents at age […]

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 19 years old and in her third year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree at UOW. “My family and I have lived in our lovely home for eight years. Home is such an important place for me. I am glad to share it with my beautiful kitten, Juno who brings so […]

Nikayla

Nikayla Please watch the video below to hear Nikayla’s story 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 […]