Rosaria at home sitting on the couch with her dog 'Sonny'

Turning a house into a home

Originally owning a property with her late husband, life took an unexpected turn, forcing them to give it up. For the past 30 years, they navigated the private rental market, but things became even more difficult after Rosaria suffered a stroke. When her husband passed away from cancer three years ago, Rosaria struggled to make ends meet and pay rent.

After being on and off the Single Housing Register for years, Rosaria was thrilled when she finally received a call that she was offered public housing. Our allocations team worked to find a home that would be the right fit for her and her dog Sonny, as well as her grandchildren who visit on weekends.

Now, she’s settled into a newly built, two-bedroom home in the western suburbs, just a few streets away from her sister. There's even room for when her grandkids visit on weekends.

'I still wake up every morning and look around, thinking "Is this for real?",' Rosaria says.

'This house has given me peace. I don’t have to worry about moving anymore - that was such a horrible feeling. I feel truly blessed. I’m treasuring this house and making it my home. I have so much gratitude, and I’ll look after it like it’s the most important thing in the world.”

It's clear that Rosaria (and Sonny) will be great tenants who will take excellent care of their new home, and we couldn’t be happier for them.