At the time of referral, Jessie (53) was living in her car.  Like so many women her age, after a lifetime of raising a family, Jessie experienced an injury that impacted her ability to work and she found herself unable to afford weekly rent.  She had few supports or financial backup. She was referred to 55 Central’s Street to Home program.

Her worker supported her to access temporary supported accommodation through 55 Central’s Transitional Housing Program.  While she had a safe, comfortable home base, she was supported to develop a goal plan.  This plan guided her to expand her support network with links to health services, financial counselling services and mental health services.  She developed a housing pathway plan and link into public housing. She even built up the confidence to share her story with her adult children, who were unaware of her housing crisis.

After 12 months, Jessie was allocated a house through the Department of Communities.  Her support worker occasionally checks in to make sure things are on track. She is now comfortable in her new environment and has made new friends in her local area.  Her granddaughter has visited her a few times for sleepovers.