Lorina's story

Lorina, or Lee to her friends, is a respected member of inner-Melbourne’s Indigenous community. She lives with her four school-age children.

“I lived on the streets from the age of 11-15. There was too much happening at home so I took off. I’ve lived in shelters, private rental and office of housing. I just couldn’t afford private rental so I went into public housing. I have been independent since I was 15. I even went to court to get my own guardianship.

“I got in touch with HomeGround about six months ago. I was in a public housing place in Richmond that was infested with cockroaches and I had to get out. I had registered for a transfer, but I was waiting and waiting. I needed something quickly and SHASP said they would help me qualify for an urgent transfer.

“The cockroaches were shocking. The kids always had stomach bugs. They were stressed, upset, scared. I had to chuck furniture out and get beds from St Vincent de Paul. We were living out of the microwave because we couldn’t cook without the cockroaches sharing the food with us.

“They fought long, hard battles with me. They’ve gone over and above. Anything they could. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t even be here. I would have left the flat with the kids and gone somewhere, I don’t know where. I would have become homeless again. I would have gone and stayed in the car or a park.

“It was more than just that, more than just housing support. I actually had to move out before we had a new place and was staying at a friend’s house and worrying. It’s Annabelle (HomeGround worker) who held me together

“Now I have a place in Fitzroy, not too far from my area and the kids’ school. I didn’t want the kids to change schools. A big weight has been lifted of my shoulders. It’s a bit small, but it has other advantages to it. The kids are ecstatic. So excited to move. They will have a little backyard, but quite big for a townhouse. We’re going to get a dog, save one from the dog home. I’m very happy.

“I do Aboriginal advocacy work with the Parkies (Indigenous community) in Collingwood as a volunteer. I sometimes help with HomeGround’s Recreation programs. My Mum did it before me and I did it with her when I was old enough. When she passed away last year I carried on. It’s tough sometimes, but good work. Now, we have a home again I can get back to this work and help my community again. I couldn’t focus on it before with all the stress of the cockroaches and not knowing where we would live.

“Annabelle is going to stay with me for awhile to make sure everything is okay. We’ve got a worker from City of Yarra to help with the kids as well. Annabelle is helping me get a few things around the house fixed as well before I move in. I just can’t wait. It gets more exciting every day. I feel less stress now.”