Barb accessed Housing Older Women’s Support Service (HOWSS) and has generously shared her story. Read Barb’s journey below.
Transcript
“Hi I’m Barb”.
“After experiencing a series of strokes, I found myself in an incredibly difficult housing situation. I was living in a shared house but could no longer afford the full rent. Without any say in the matter, the landlord brought in other tenants, and I soon became a victim of extreme elder abuse. I want people to know that this is a very real issue, and I am here to share my story so others understand that it happens.
During this time, Sharon from HOWSS/Footprints turned up to help me – neither of us quite knew why at first, but looking back, I now see it was the beginning of a life-changing journey. Sharon worked tirelessly to find me a safe and suitable place to live, exhausting every possible option. When we were running out of solutions, she suggested I attend a gathering with another organisation called Better Together Housing. At that point, I was feeling very low, but I agreed to go.
That day, I met other women in similar situations, and while it broke my heart to see so many mature women struggling, it also gave me hope. As I shared my story, one of the women mentioned that I should try for a possible vacancy at an aged care residence. My heart took a flip. This particular place was much closer to where my beloved granddaughter lived. With renewed hope, Sharon and I went in person to visit, and miraculously as we spoke, my story was truly heard. By an incredible blessing, a unit had just become available, something that had not been possible despite Sharon’s previous efforts through phone calls and emails. The manager listened to me and, without hesitation, told me, “The unit is yours”.
Within a week, thanks to Footprints and Better Together Housing, I was able to move into my own home – it is secure, safe, and absolutely wonderful. If it hadn’t been for Sharon’s persistence and the support of the women at Better Together Housing, I wouldn’t be here. Like so many other older women, I had contributed to society only to find myself forgotten. But thanks to these two organisations and the women in them taking the initiative to work together, I was given a second chance.
I am forever grateful to the women who stood by me, and I truly believe that God’s hand was in all of this, allowing for perfect timing.”
Do you need housing support?
Housing Older Women’s Support Services (HOWSS) is a Specialised Housing and Support Hub for Older Women funded by the Department of Housing. This Footprints Community service offers a Brisbane-based Hub, and a Queensland wide online navigation and support service that is inclusive of all older women experiencing housing distress or homelessness.
Contact HOWSS
Email howss@footprintscommunity.org.au
Call 1800 FOOTPRINTS (1800 366 877) and ask for the HOWSS team.
Visit www.howss.org.au
Visit the HUB at 31 Thomas Street West End between 9am – 3.00pm, Monday – Friday
The Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753 is available for urgent support.
