Tenant Profile: Janice’s story of perseverance

May 23, 2023

Janice was living in an unaffordable private rental and had been on the social housing waitlist for nearly 8 years. In 2011, she received some great news that she had been waiting on for a very long time; she was offered a home with Foundation Housing. This meant that she was able to move into a home that was more affordable and suitable for her as a single mother of 4 kids.  

Within a few days of receiving the news, Janice was given the keys to her new home in Embleton and moved in.  

However, in April 2020, Janice’s life changed forever. Her daughter Nellie tragically passed away from a heart condition. “It was and still has been the hardest time of my life. I was very sad and I couldn’t see any light.” she said. 

Janice sought professional help and attended grief counselling. With this support, she was able to talk about her pain and get things off her chest. “I recommend counselling to everyone and anyone. I was able to talk about things and not feel like I was being a burden by sharing my dark thoughts and moments. It really helped me,” she said. 

The last few years have been painful and difficult for Janice, but through the help of her faith, support system, and her own personal strength, she is starting to see the goodness that the world has to offer again.  

Janice decided that it was time to downsize to another property, so she received a transfer with Foundation Housing to a smaller home. “It was really hard to say goodbye to the old house because we had shared so many memories there as a family, especially with Nellie. But with the support of my Housing Coordinator, I was able to grieve and move on from that house. It feels good to be in this new home. I am always being creative around the place, and it is always changing with the times. I feel at home here,” she says.  

Janice also bought herself a small bus and had it renovated to a livable accommodation with a bed, television, solar panels and even a fridge! Covered in various artwork, photos and symbols of the things close to her heart, the van has become one of Janice’s greatest joys. In dedication to her loving daughter Nellie, she plans on taking it on road trips and adventures.

When asked what advice she would give to others who are grieving or going through a hard time, Janice says “reach out and get support – it is out there, and you don’t have to do it alone. It is good to talk about what you are feeling otherwise it bottles up and hardens your heart.” 

Thank you, Janice, for sharing your story.

Foundation Housing’s priority is to ensure tenants are fully supported when challenges arise that may impact them being able to manage and sustain their tenancy. For more information, please visit our Support Page.