A place to call her own

Published: 

9 December 2024 10:06AM

'It gives me such peace of mind to know now that when I come home each day it is to my own peaceful, secure place within my community.'

With the National Affordable Rental Scheme (NRAS) ending, Wendy was facing the prospect of her rental home of 3 years returning to the private market and becoming unaffordable.

Coast2Bay Housing Group is a not-for-profit company committed to providing affordable homes for people in the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Moreton Bay, Redcliffe and Gympie areas. Thanks to funding from the Queensland Government, Coast2Bay Housing Group was able to buy several ex-NRAS properties, including Wendy’s duplex, to continue providing secure, affordable housing to those in need.

This means Wendy can continue to update husband Mal on the progress of their cherished garden during her daily visits to him – Mal lives in supported accommodation so he can receive extra care to meet his health needs.

'I’m an avid gardener and Mal often asks about the garden, where he enjoyed sitting in the sunshine to watch me tending to our many herbs and flowers. I often take photos of the plants’ progress to share with him,’’ she says.

Wendy and Mal had their own small trades business and always rented on the Sunshine Coast but when ill health forced Mal’s retirement, the couple faced increased rents they could not afford.

'We never considered we’d need to access social housing and we’re so grateful for this home, which is close to medical support services.

'I hope stories like ours will help end the stigma of social housing and encourage other investors to work with Coast2Bay to provide affordable housing for those in need,' Wendy says.

The couple is preparing to relocate to North Queensland later this year to live with family as they get older.

'I am grateful to have had a happy close to our years here at the coast, and also to know that our home and its garden will continue to be enjoyed by another family from now on, that needs the same kind of support that we were so lucky to have,' says Wendy.

Securing National Rental Affordability Scheme homes

Through our Homes for Queenslanders plan, we're supporting select community housing providers to purchase homes exiting the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

This will help provide certainty to tenants like Wendy benefiting from the discounted rental prices.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.