At 71, new Myers Street resident, Trish, has moved house 46 times in her life.
She’s raised two children as a single mum, worked countless jobs, and now cares for her husband Phi, 67, who lives with a disability after a series of strokes.
“I’ve never really been stable. Never owned a place. I raised my kids in commission houses – in Broadie, Brunswick and West Heidelberg. Some were better than others.
“I worked out I’ve moved house more than 40 times. Always lived week to week. I left school at 15 – worked factory jobs, shop work – you name it.
“I went into private rental when my kids grew up and that got a lot harder.
Originally from Bendigo, Trish convinced Phil to move from Melbourne 15 years ago but the private rental market in regional Victoria was not much better than Melbourne.
“Our last place, they put the price up again and we just couldn’t afford it.”
Trish saw Myers Street community housing advertised on the Uniting website and applied. She couldn’t believe their luck when they were successful.
“It’s on the small side – but I’ve never lived in brand new ever before – it’s beautiful – it’s the thing I’m most excited about.
“As long as we pay our rent – which we can do, no problem, we’ll be here until they take me to cemetery!” she jokes.
Trish and Phil don’t drive anymore so being walking distance to the train station and shops makes life a lot easier.
“Phil loves it now, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,
“To be able to walk to everything is fantastic – I love the op shops and can just toddle down the street.”
Trish and Phil are now happily settled into their new home and looking forward to getting to know the community.
“We’re right next to the church with a bit a view and a balcony which I can people- watch from.
“We’ve met a couple of neighbours who seem nice. To have a stable, ongoing home is a huge weight off us.”
