Finding security, community and wellbeing in Townsville
In the heart of Townsville, Mya finds security, community and wellbeing.
“This is the best place I’ve ever lived – I’m not exaggerating!” says Mya, who recently moved into a new home after experiencing years of housing insecurity. “It’s made me feel safer, secure, and way less anxious.”
Mya lives with young women like herself who are transitioning to long-term stable housing, and are aged between 17 to 25 at the YWAM House in Townsville, north-east Queensland. A brand-new kitchen has become the heart of their home, thanks to a grant from Homes for Homes that helped to upgrade the facilities.
“Love the kitchen! We’ve got dishwashers, ovens and more!” says Mya. “We have more shared cooking nights where we all contribute and cook together. I love the company, everything is clean – it pushes me to be clean. It’s a good influence on me.”The well-equipped kitchen not only provides a friendly communal space for the women, it also means Mya can now prepare and cook healthy meals for herself – and is improving her wellbeing. She’s learning new skills and experimenting with new dishes
“I have started eating more salads. We will make homemade sushi next week with salmon,” she enthuses. “I have never made a roast before, but I am planning to learn!”
Mya is one of 300 people who have been supported by a Homes for Homes grant. Homes for Homes provided $50,000 toward the kitchen project – one of the first grants awarded in Queensland.
Mya is even baking festive gifts for her new friends this holiday season. “I’ve been making the traditional ginger biscuits and shortbread for my housemates,” she says. “This place just has a really happy environment.”