Johanna* was 38 weeks pregnant when her abusive and controlling partner kicked her out of their house. With her son Charlie*, she found herself homeless. It was Christmas Day.
By providing safe transitional housing, Houses to Homes has prevented women like Johanna from continuing to live ‘rough’. With her son Charlie and newborn baby, Johanna remembers the first time she finally felt at peace, safe in her own place.
“It was really nice. It was a three-bedroom home with a backyard. We each got a room. It really feels like we’re being taken care of,” she said.
Maree Hanna, Coordinator of Houses to Homes, said the program goes beyond placing a roof over young families’ heads.
“When these women and children first come to us, they’re very broken and timid. They turn up with a couple of bags of belongings and nothing more,” she said.
“I see very positive changes in the girls when they’re feeling loved and supported. A lot of the mums here haven’t had anybody to call and rely on. They’ve never really had anybody they can trust.”
At-risk mothers are given support catered to their specific needs, including basic items like food, toiletries and nappies for their children. They are also connected with a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, and a dentist, and they receive help with life skills, including cooking nutritious meals for their children and participating in parenting programs. The women are supported in getting a driver’s licence and are linked to opportunities to gain education, training, and employment.
Joahnna completed a traffic control course and looks forward to completing her first aid training, achievements which have given her a big boost in confidence.
“I’m a totally different person. I don’t really recognise the old me,” she said. “I have a lot of hope for my future now, thanks to everything that Catholic Care has provided.”
*Names have been changed.
