At just 23, Lauren* had already navigated years of housing insecurity while raising a child with special needs. With support from The Lady Musgrave Trust and ICYS, she’s now created a stable, hopeful future for her growing family.
This is her story, in her own words.
When my relationship ended in 2021, my son Eric was three – and we had nowhere stable to go.
For years, we moved between friends’ and family’s places, sleeping wherever we could. Most nights, it was a couch or a spare bed. It wasn’t just uncomfortable. It was exhausting. We couldn’t get into a routine. We couldn’t feel settled. And it really affected us, especially Eric.
Sleep became a daily struggle. Without our own space, he couldn’t wind down. I was constantly worried, constantly on the phone, calling services, trying to find help.
Eventually, I was connected with ICYS (Ipswich Community Youth Service), and that led to us getting housing through The Lady Musgrave Trust.
That changed everything.
Having a safe, stable home meant I could finally start rebuilding. I found part-time work, put Eric into daycare, and we began to settle into a routine. I helped deliver a cultural language program in schools around Ipswich, teaching local Indigenous language and culture. It was important to me to share something meaningful with the next generation.
When I wasn’t at work, I was able to spend quality time with Eric. For the first time in a long time, I could focus on more than just surviving.
The support I received didn’t stop with a roof over our heads. Jenna, my case worker from ICYS, was incredible. She helped me connect with services I didn’t even know existed – especially ones that supported Eric’s special needs. At the time, we were stuck waiting on NDIS plans, hospital appointments, and MRIs. Jenna really walked beside me through all of it.
To me, home means somewhere you feel safe. Somewhere you can go at the end of the day and just breathe.
Now, we have that. We’ve moved into a private rental with a backyard for the kids. And just recently, I welcomed my second child – a baby girl – and I’m also moving forward in a new relationship, one that feels safe, supportive and respectful.
Life looks very different today. It’s still busy, but it feels full, not overwhelming.
If there’s one thing I’d say to other women in a similar situation, it’s this: take it day by day. That’s what got me through.
*Name changed for privacy.
