A fresh start

It’s an explosion of colour walking into the home of Believe Housing Australia tenant Brooke, from the bright purple couches to the unicorn and rainbow décor adorning the walls and coffee table.

And that’s not including her colourful, 140-strong Care Bears collection that takes pride of place upstairs in the house she calls home thanks to the support of Believe Housing Australia.

However, like many South Australians, finding a house hadn’t been a bright and colourful experience for Brooke.

After relocating to Adelaide from Queensland in 2016 seeking a fresh start in life, Brooke encountered challenges securing affordable and safe housing in the increasingly competitive private rental market.

Her only option at the time was to live in a share house.

“When I was living in shared housing, I got more unwell mentally and was struggling to cope day to day,” she said.

Overwhelmed by navigating the housing system by herself, she was referred to Believe Housing Australia which helped her register for social housing through the South Australian Housing Trust.

Then, in 2018, she moved into a Believe Housing Australia property.

Now living without the stress and uncertainty of trying to find a safe and affordable home, Brooke said she was able to focus on her health and wellbeing.

“I’ve been able to organise other supports around me, which can help me move in a much more positive direction,” she said.

“Moving in here is the first time I have felt safe and secure in my own space for a long time. Having a space to call my own has had a big impact on my overall wellbeing.”

It’s not just the house that positively influenced Brooke’s life – she said a former neighbour had also provided a sense of connection and support during challenging times.

“When, at times, I was struggling with my mental health, she would bring me a hot dish for dinner to make sure that I was eating or bring out my bins.

“She was there for me, and I was quite sad when she moved. Because she still lives in the area, I occasionally run into her when I go for a walk, and we will stop and chat.

“Having a good neighbour like her made such a positive impact on my health.”

Brooke said stable housing meant more than just a roof over her head.

“Having stable long-term housing has been a game changer for me,” Brooke said.

“Being in the right housing, having the right people around me, and having access to the right supports have helped me build my confidence and get into a completely different headspace.

“It was the fresh start that I needed.”