Resident story: Norma

NORMA

RESIDENT STORY

“I DO MY BEST TO CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY WHEREVER I AM.”

When Norma found herself without a home after her divorce, she was forced into a private rental with little money and facing homelessness. Like many Australians, Norma struggled to find a suitable home for years until she received a call early one morning from Evolve Housing. Norma, an advocate for those who struggle to be heard, has worked in the community welfare industry all her working life.

Norma’s now surrounded by a community of individuals and advocates for better housing opportunities and better tenant experiences as part of our Resident Advisory Group (RAG), however Norma’s life hasn’t always been this serene.

Having stayed in the same private rental property for 16 years after her divorce, Norma (who was nearing 60 at the time) was faced with the harsh reality of eviction with only two weeks’ notice, no savings, and a life forced into another uprooting. Norma was homeless, only being able to take with her enough belongings to fit into her car and needing to rehome her beloved pets. Norma, now aged 70, lives happily in an Evolve Housing property and has remained there for six and a half years. When Norma was asked what she’s enjoyed the most about Evolve Housing, she said: “I like the social community side of things, being a resident makes it easier to feel the sense of community with Evolve Housing. I do my best to create a sense of community wherever I am, and I think I have a great relationship with both staff and residents.”

Having completed her Diploma with distinctions in Community Welfare, Norma enjoys being a part of the Resident Advisory Group and was motivated to continue supporting her local community. “I’ve been able to do this by being a part of the RAG and being a voice for tenants...I enjoy building community relationships and bringing attention to things that need changing for residents,” she said.

The focus of the RAG has always been how to best support residents of Evolve Housing and despite the different members, from different cultural backgrounds,

they can always agree on the same purpose: to provide a better housing experience for tenants.

“Meeting the people I’ve met since being a resident and joining the RAG has been exceptional for my wellbeing. It’s nice to have a community-driven connection to people again...It has given me the release from worry and panic about what’s to come next...It’s upgraded my life.”

Since moving into her property over six years ago, Norma has taken on her own ‘onboarding process’ for new residents in her block, helping them settle in and introducing them to the area. Joining Evolve Housing’s Women’s Group and participating in the Tenant Satisfaction Survey are small ways Norma feels she can give back to her community.

“Evolve Housing has changed my life; I genuinely feel like it has bettered my life. When I first got the call, I wasn’t as keen to hear from you, but my goodness I am glad that I answered. Coming from a long list of bad rentals, my Evolve Housing one has certainly topped the list.”