PROVIDE QUALITY HOMES AND SERVICES
GEO R G E’ S STORY
Arncliffe resident George, who was homeless prior
garden. “[Living in Arncliffe has had a] big impact, huge
to moving into the estate, has embraced his new
impact … socially, I’m talking to a couple of people
community and even began his own cooking tutorials
now instead of locking myself away. People are there
for fellow tenants.
and genuine and helping. Carrie-Ann and Paea are the best people ever; they’re genuine,” George said.
George was living in his car for months after having been released from jail and struggling with
As well as making new friends with his neighbours,
depression and anxiety. He was initially housed in
George has been holding cooking classes at the
a 1-bedroom apartment in Arncliffe, supported by
property, sharing his skills and passion for food with
not-for-profit organisation Neami National. After he
other tenants. 7 people attended his first class, in
got joint custody of his children, we helped him move
which George showed how to cook chicken schnitzel,
into a 3-bedroom apartment in the block, so that he
mashed potatoes, butter and honey carrots, mushroom
could have his family visit.
gravy, caramel slice and cherry ripe.
Living in the property, with the support of Evolve
“I did cooking for three years back when I was a young
Housing’s Arncliffe Community Hub, has given George
fella, but I’ve got a passion for cooking. I lost it for
a new lease on life. He has participated in many social
a couple of years, and now it’s back. This is just my way
activities with his fellow residents, including beach
out of the depression and anxiety; cooking and feeling
visits, and also got involved with the on-site community
happy. It seems to make other people happy too.”
Photo: George, Evolve Housing resident
55
