For young women and children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, finding a safe place to live can be the first step towards much more. It can help create the stability needed to rebuild routines, access education and support and begin planning for the future.
That’s why The Lady Musgrave Trust combines safe transitional housing with support designed around the needs of women and their children. Georgia’s* experience offers one example of what that can make possible.
This is her story, in her own words.
My daughter’s three and my son is two. My kids and I fled New South Wales due to domestic violence.
I got referred [to The Lady Musgrave Trust] from another service. When I got the keys, there was already furniture and stuff there. So that was exciting, seeing all these boxes and having everything to build.
Housing has changed not only my life, but my kids’ lives in a lot of ways. We’ve been able to get into a routine, I’ve been able to put them in day care and start TAFE. They’re eating well, sleeping better, happier and more relaxed.
In the next six months, I’m hoping the Youth Work course I’m doing at TAFE will lead to a job through placement. I feel like I can help young people.
I would describe the support as very positive and very easy. They make you feel comfortable and safe. I felt a lot of pressure come off my shoulders.
I kind of felt free, in a way.
Georgia’s story reinforces why increasing the supply of safe, appropriate housing for young women and their children matters.
The Lady Musgrave Trust is working to expand its housing portfolio so more families can have a safe place to call home while they prepare for what comes next.
Learn more about how you can help The Lady Musgrave Trust provide more safe housing for young women and their children.
*Name changed for privacy.
