When Erin’s relationship broke down, she tried for months to stay in her family home. But, on a solo income, and with two young boys, it was more than she could manage alone. Struggling to find anywhere else that was affordable, Erin and her children ended up staying at a family member’s home.
“We were on borrowed time,” says Erin. “The fear of being thrown out loomed over me like a dark cloud.” Erin’s worst fears were realised when her host family asked them to move out.
“It’s the lowest I’ve felt in my life,” she says. “I never thought we could experience homelessness.” That’s when Erin turned to Depaul. “Meeting my Depaul keyworker, it felt like a lifeline. Like someone was on our side. It was a little bit of light in that dark time.” At Depaul, Erin’s keyworker created a support plan for her, focusing on getting her family moved into permanent accommodation as quickly as possible.
Recently, Erin and her children received some wonderful news – they would be moving into a home of their own.
“Things are so tough right now,” says Erin. “There are so few affordable homes. But we’re beyond grateful for the support and our new beginning.”