“Firstly, I just wish other women knew about Better Together Housing. You can sum it up in one word, HOPE! Something good will happen here, because the people in this program don’t just talk about helping you, they actually do it.” says Barbara.
A Shift from Stability
Barbara, from Caloundra, spent 17 years sharing a home with a close friend. When her friend moved away to be nearer to family, Barbara suddenly found herself struggling to cover rent alone. She wasn’t homeless, but she knew the financial pressure wasn’t sustainable.
Finding Community
Her real estate agent connected her to Better Together Housing, and Barbara immediately felt she had found the right place. Online searches had only shown her younger housemates in their 20s and 30s, not a good fit. But with BTH, she felt safe, supported, and reassured that women her age, with police checks and shared values, were out there too.
Barbara remembers her first gathering clearly: “The welcome was so warm. I didn’t feel like a stranger. The other women welcomed me straight away.”
Through BTH, Barbara was introduced to Ane-Marie, and they arranged to share a home. With support around boundaries and communication, Barbara adjusted to shared living and found new confidence.
The Impact
- Barbara has found financial relief by sharing rent and easing the cost of living alone
- She’s built friendships and connections in a safe, supportive community of women her age
- She’s gained confidence in shared living, using practical tools and boundaries to make the transition smooth
- She now feels renewed optimism and hope for the future
Looking Ahead
Barbara hopes for stability and the peace of knowing she won’t have to move year after year. With humour, she adds that her ultimate dream would be to “win Lotto!” But for now, the security and companionship she’s found through Better Together Housing are enough.
More Powerful Stories
Barbara’s story was originally published as part of our ‘Storytelling and Impact Report’ along with 14 other women, to learn more about their stories and the broader impact of Better Together you can read the rest of the report here.
