“Living here has completely changed my life.”
Elaine, a retired secondary school music and textile teacher, never imagined she would face homelessness. After selling her home in Victoria, she moved to Queensland with plans to buy a property in Brisbane. But her life savings were stolen by a family member who fled overseas and has never been apprehended.
With nowhere to go, Elaine and her beloved dog Lilly lived in her car until local police connected her with the Department of Housing. For nearly two years, she stayed in temporary hotel accommodation while waiting for a permanent solution.
That solution came when Elaine moved into a newly completed 31 unit social housing complex in Banya, delivered in partnership by the Queensland Government and Coast2Bay Housing Group.
“When I came to Queensland, I never thought I’d end up homeless and on benefits. But the government is doing a lot and I’m just so thankful that I’ve got a nice, safe roof over my head. And the team at Coast2Bay have been marvelous.”
Elaine’s journey wasn’t without more heartbreak. All her belongings, including treasured musical instruments and family photos, were destroyed when the removalist truck caught fire en route. But her new home and neighbours have helped her heal.
“It’s a really lovely atmosphere here. I’ve met some lovely people and made friends. We have a laugh and a lot of us sit out in the sun together in the mornings.”
Plans are underway for a communal garden, and Elaine is eager to contribute. “Being here has brought me out of myself again and it’s given me something to live for.”
Elaine plays 13 instruments and hopes to resume making baby outfits for charities supporting families of stillborn and premature babies. Safe, secure housing has given her the chance to rebuild her life and reconnect with her passions.
