| At Better Together Housing (BTH), we are constantly reminded of the power of connection and community. Recently, we (Maggie, Program Lead, and Natasha, Project Officer) were invited for afternoon tea with two of our members, Nola and Nada, who wished to share their remarkable journey with us. Their story is one of courage, creativity, and unexpected magic. For Nola, reaching out to BTH was no small step. An independent career woman for over 50 years, she had built a life she loved. “My life is perfect — I just can’t afford it,” she joked, reflecting on the harsh reality she was facing. Adapting to the idea of shared housing felt daunting. “It took some courage to make that call,” Nola admitted, but after speaking with us, she felt supported and ready to take the next step. Her initial fears shifted to excitement as she began to see the possibilities. At the same time, Nada, who moved to Australia from Croatia in 1982, had also been searching for housing. Following a marriage breakdown, she faced the familiar story of many older women struggling to find secure, affordable accommodation. For six months, she searched unsuccessfully until she came across Nola’s member profile on the BTH platform. The two connected, and as Nola put it, “The vibes were good from the beginning.” They agreed to give each other space and patience as they settled into shared living, but it didn’t take long for their connection to grow into something more than housemates. Since living together, their shared home has become more than a practical solution. Nada has found peace and relaxation, even noticing that she’s sleeping better. When Nola invited her to her regular Friday night gathering with friends, Nada’s words captured the heart of it all: “I think I’ve found my tribe.” During the process of preparing for Nada to move in, Nola decided to declutter. While clearing out old belongings, she stumbled upon a forgotten journal from 30 years ago containing a children’s story she had written but never shared. Feeling inspired, she showed it to Nada — and that’s when the magic happened. As it turned out, Nada illustrates children’s books. This serendipitous discovery sparked an idea: they would bring Nola’s words and Nada’s illustrations together to create a book. What started as a practical need for shared housing had suddenly blossomed into a creative partnership. Together, they have just completed and printed their first children’s book, which they have shared with family and friends — a project that neither of them could have imagined a few short months ago. Their story is a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from life’s challenges. What began as a solution to the housing crisis has become a journey of friendship, creativity, and shared purpose. At BTH, we are so proud to have played a small part in helping Nola and Nada find not only a home but also a new chapter of possibility. — Maggie & Natasha, Better Together Housing Team |
