Beryl accessed Housing Older Women’s Support Service (HOWSS) and has shared her journey below.
My name is Beryl
I’m 63, a mother of 8 and grandmother of 13.
Well, I’ve accessed your service from when I was sofa surfing, yeah so you got onto it pretty quick actually, it didn’t take long at all.
We did a housing application, helped me with all of that, came over and took me up to Department of Housing when I needed to go up there and provided transport for me cause I have limited mobility myself.
And helped me with the voucher to get food or the things I might need for the place. It’s changed a lot and given me somewhere to call home.
Somewhere I’m comfortable and where my children and grandchildren can come to visit, without me feeling like they are imposing, you know, because I had been staying with people previously.
Everything fell into place and I’m happy now.
Speaking from an Indigenous woman’s point of view, a lot of them get shame to ask for help, but I’d advise them – Seek the help that you need, don’t be shame.
Watch Beryl’s story below
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.
