Our Stories

Fifty-six-year-old Annastasia’s world was turned upside down when she was evicted from the home she shared with her adult daughter in 2023. 

Annastasia was working in administration for local government and, like many women we meet, couldn’t keep up with the significant rent stress and cost of living pressures she was under. 

“I came into work and said, ‘I’ve been evicted from my home.’ With that eviction, there was a lock on my front door. I couldn’t get into the house, and from that point on, I had nowhere else to go.” 

Can you imagine coming home to find your front door locked and you can’t get in?  

Annastasia’s world fell apart. She had previously always been able to find a way to manage the many ups and downs of her life.  

When she was a young adult, she took on the financial responsibility of her family. As a wife, she survived years of domestic and family violence from her ex-husband and father of her daughter. After the breakdown of her marriage, she moved states with the hope of starting again, as many women do. As a mother, she had been a solo parent for many years and her focus was always ensuring she was doing the very best for her daughter. 

But this time, she felt like the ground gave way underneath her. 

“I rang a girlfriend who had also experienced homelessness and was living in a one-bedroom rental property, and she said, ‘Come and stay with me.’ So, I did. She didn’t have space for us, but she took us in. I slept on her couch for six months.” 

A work colleague of Annastasia who knew of Catherine House heard about Annastasia’s situation, and her need for support, and pointed her to us. 

“I will always be so grateful that she told me to ring Catherine House, and looking back, I am really proud I was brave enough to make that phone call.”  

Annastasia started her initial journey with Catherine House through our Women’s Centre.  

The Catherine House Women’s Centre is a trauma-informed recovery setting that provides a safe space for women to build relationships, learn, and engage in activities that support their health, wellbeing, confidence and recovery journey. 

Annastasia completed the ‘Live Your Best Life & Plan for Your Future’ educational course, which is run at the centre. This course provides women with the opportunity to explore their personal strengths and supports them in building their future goals for education and employment. 

“And so, while still working and homeless, I went to work every day and took a few hours off each week to do the class.” 

As a society, when we think about women experiencing homelessness, we don’t often think about them being employed. However, for many women we see at Catherine House, it is the current lack of affordable housing that can cause them to become homeless for the first time in their lives.  

Homelessness can be brought on by many factors, including inadequate income, unstable employment and other disadvantages that can particularly affect women. There may also be a history of family breakdown, domestic and family violence, mental and physical illness, or lack of social and emotional support.  

Women just like Annastasia can be caught off guard when life takes unexpected turns, and they can suddenly experience homelessness.  

“I didn’t think I would ever need a place like Catherine House. In fact, I didn’t think I was worthy of the service at all. I thought there were women out there that were more worthy than me.” 

During this time, Annastasia’s work contract with local government ended, and she was struggling to find employment.  

“I was at the lowest of lows, but I continued to work with Sharon, the Education and Employment Officer, determined to find a new job. I remember the day she came to me with the greatest news – I had been offered a six-month customer service contract within local government again. I was ecstatic!” 

While employed again, Annastasia continued participating in many Catherine House courses and activities and made the best of her time at the Women’s Centre.  

“They provided me with a laptop, and with Sharon’s suggestion, I increased my typing speed and did a first-aid course with their Education Fund. I took art and self-defence classes and received support for food when I needed some extra assistance. 

“At Christmas time, we received a beautiful Christmas hamper and gift bag, which I was most grateful for.” 

It took some time, but eventually, Annastasia was offered a room in our Crisis Accommodation Service. 

Annastasia remembers her excitement at hearing this news but wanted to talk to her daughter about it. It was the first time they would be separated from living together, but as an adult, her daughter was making her own plans for where she could live and was really happy for her mum. 

Annastasia recalls walking into the Crisis Accommodation Service. 

“It was the most welcoming place. The staff were so warm and friendly, and I remember them saying, ‘It’s time for you to look after yourself.’ 

“Tam, the Women’s Centre Coordinator, gave me a gratitude journal. Every morning, I’d sit outside for breakfast and write in my journal. I really felt like I was being looked after. Meals were served, and even when I went to work, Trinity (the cook) would make me a packed lunch. I didn’t have to think about anything, everything was supplied for me. It was such a weight off my shoulders.” 

“Throughout my time in the house, I started to gain self-esteem and self-respect. I started to walk around with my head held a little bit higher.” 

After a few months, Annastasia was able to move into one of our independent living cottages. 

“Moving into the cottages meant I was living more independently, with another woman, which was great. We had our own little kitchenette, and I was able to support myself, so that was wonderful. I would sit out in the back garden, have my cup of tea and write in my journal. It was lovely to go for walks, still attend the classes, and then I was offered permanent housing – wow.” 

This next step of Annastasia’s recovery journey was securing a one-bedroom apartment, just for her.  

“Catherine House helped so much. Their partnership with We Are Mobilise helped with getting the bond and the first few months of rent, allowing me to build up a financial safety net.  

“Catherine House provided me with a ‘Moving On Pack’ that helped to set up my own home, and I was able to get some of my belongings out of storage.”  

Today, Annastasia is continuing to adjust to her home and her new lease on life. 

“I’ve been there nearly a year now, and I still haven’t finished unpacking. Catherine House has told me I can live there as long as I want, but my mind still thinks ‘I might have to leave.’ It just seems too good to be true.”  

Another aspect of Catherine House is our partnership with key allied health professionals, including dental and optical support. Women can access these essential services at no cost and work on basic health issues that they may have dealt with their whole lives. 

Annastasia benefitted from significant dental work over a long period of time and is so proud of her beautiful new smile and the confidence it brings her. 

Although Annastasia has been in her own home for almost a year, she continues her connection with Catherine House and is a big advocate of the importance of our service. 

“I feel welcome. Whenever I come to the Women’s Centre, it energises me to go and do things. Even today, if I walk in and I’m having a bad day, I will walk out having a great day. It’s hard to explain.  

It feeds me. It feeds the soul.  

There is nothing negative about supporting Catherine House. You’ll get something positive out of it, whatever you choose to do.” 

We hope you can hear the heart of Annastasia’s story and sense her strength, vulnerability and gratitude.