“You need to be proactive, be open to this. I would drive someone there myself if I met them in the position we were in. I’d shout it from the rooftops. The shared living arrangement is so powerful. People are dying of loneliness this can be life-changing.” Says Sue.
Finding a Way Forward
Sue and her husband brought her to the Sunshine Coast, but with only a small home, they knew it couldn’t be a long-term solution. Sue tried everything, contacting the Department of Housing, making 26 phone calls to different services, but got nowhere. Finally, a social worker referred them to Better Together Housing.
At first hesitant about sharing, Sue’s mum attended a gathering. The warm welcome and support quickly gave her hope. Soon after, she was introduced to Barbara, a woman also looking for a housemate, and a safe, secure living arrangement was formed.
The Impact
- Sue’s mum is now in safe, stable housing with a kind and welcoming housemate
- Anxiety and stress have lifted – her health and peace of mind restored Family relief: Sue, her husband and all her siblings now know their mum is safe, comfortable, and no longer at risk
- Most importantly, the family has rediscovered hope after crisis
Looking Ahead
Sue hopes her mum and Barbara can continue building a strong, long-term living arrangement and perhaps one day secure housing together that removes the fear of future upheaval.
More Powerful Stories
Sue’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.
