Emily's Journey to a Stable Home
*Please note: this renter story has been de-identified, with names and locations removed to protect the renter’s privacy.
Emily’s story reflects the experiences of countless Australians navigating the challenges of the private rental market. As a full-time working single mum, she faced relentless uncertainty and exhaustion in her search for a secure home. But with Unison's support, Emily has found the stability and hope she needed to transform her life.
Her son’s school attendance has improved, along with his confidence and friendships with other children in the building. Emily’s shorter commute means more time to rest, recharge, and focus on her family.
“For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace. This place gives me peace of mind—it’s my space, and my son’s space.”
Finding secure housing was an uphill battle for Emily, despite her full-time job and excellent rental history. When Emily moved back to Melbourne from her previous location, she hoped to find more affordable options, only to discover that the rental crisis in Melbourne was just as challenging—if not worse.
Emily and her son faced countless inspections and repeated rejections, moving between temporary accommodation with friends and family. On the verge of giving up and returning to the city she was living in previously, Emily got in touch with Unison, and we were able to connect her to secure and sustainable housing. Through her resilience and determination, Emily has secured a stable home that has transformed both her life and her son’s.
The Challenges of Finding a Home
Navigating Melbourne’s private rental market proved daunting for Emily, who encountered systemic barriers that often excluded single-income households like hers. Despite her spotless rental and employment record, landlords prioritised dual-income tenants, leaving Emily feeling dejected.
"It does a lot to you mentally when you have the capacity, but you're not given that chance. We are human, and we have needs."
For a while, Emily stayed with a friend, but it wasn’t sustainable. She and her son eventually moved into her mother’s home, sharing a single bed in one small room. “We were sharing one room, one bed. Me and my son, and he’s literally my height,” she shared. It was a low point for Emily, who had always strived to provide a stable life for her child.
Despite her efforts, high rent and a system that felt pitted against her, left Emily feeling defeated. She sought help from various organisations, including The Salvation Army, who referred her to Unison. This referral marked a turning point in her journey.
A Fresh Start with Unison
Emily’s Place Manager—a dedicated Unison team member responsible for connecting tenants to sustainable housing—arranged an inspection for a two-bedroom apartment at Unison-owned building.
Emily instantly fell in love with the apartment and was overjoyed when her application was approved in just a few days. To ease her transition, Unison covered four weeks’ rent, providing her with much-needed breathing room.
Her new home is a far cry from the crowded room she once shared with her son. The spacious two-bedroom apartment includes a master bedroom, a separate room for her son, a laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a balcony where she plans to grow a small garden. “It’s really spacious; I can even fit a dining area. It’s got everything you want in an apartment,” Emily said.
The impact of stable housing has been transformative for her son as well. The stress of instability has been replaced with a sense of security. He now has his own space to study, play with his Lego, and just enjoy being a kid.
The Transformative Power of Stable Housing
The stability Emily has found at Unison has positively impacted every aspect of her life. She’s reconnected with her community at her local church, which she calls her "second family." Living closer to her son’s school has improved his attendance and allowed him to build friendships with other children in the building.
Emily’s story highlights the profound difference stable, affordable housing can make for individuals and families. At Unison, we are committed to creating homes that provide not just shelter but also the foundation to build a better life.
To find out more about Unison's affordable housing program, visit our website.
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