In the 80s Kym was a single mother to her teenage daughter, Hayley. She bought a small house in Geelong and thought at least she would always have that. Unfortunately, over the years she was manipulated by another partner, lost her house and got into trouble. She spent two years in jail. Hayley became pregnant while her mum was in prison and they were reunited when Kym was released. They moved in together and looked after new baby, Rosie. All they could afford was a tiny flat with no heating. They all developed health conditions, but they had no better options. Eventually Kym was connected to WPI and offered a house nearing completion, with enough room for all of them.
“We couldn’t wait. We got the keys the day it was finished and moved our stuff in. We felt safe and couldn’t have afforded to rent anything like this. It’s not just the women you are helping with these homes, it’s the kids and the grandkids.”
17 years later, this is still home to Kym, Hayley and Rosie. Hayley is doing well and working full time. A secure home was essential to her parenting Rosie, who has a close bond with her Mum and her Nan. With the stability of a home and supportive family, she studied hard, got good grades and is now studying Law at university. Kym says she really has no idea where they would be without their home, which is a constant they have been able to rely on. It is never easy to make ends meet, but they work together to cover expenses and knowing their home is secure provides peach of mind.
