Bea’s Tenant Story - WPI

Bea and her son escaped family violence and life had not been easy. The house they were renting had very bad conditions with mice infestation and practically no heating. The landlord said if they weren’t happy, they should leave. Her ex-partner would drive up and down the street, trying to frighten them. She experienced a lot of discrimination in the private rental market, being a single mother and a migrant, and she really didn’t know what she was going to do. She says that finding out she could move into her WPI home was the best present she has ever received. The thing that she appreciates most about her new home is security.

“I had forgotten how it feels to sleep without having to worry. Before I’d jump at every sound and wake up in the middle of the night and push a couch – or anything heavy against the door. When we first looked at this apartment, my son’s reaction made me cry. He went into his room, and he lay down and he was so happy. He has been able to stay at the same school with his friends. WPI gave me a chance. To know that this is our home gives me a sense of peace and calmness that I’ve never, ever felt before. I can go to work and not worry and sleep without worry. I feel so safe. Our lives have completely changed.”