Stella

A renter in public housing for 25 years following an abusive marriage breakdown and struggling to make ends meet at her sewing job, Stella feels extremely lucky to have a place of her own.

“For me, I feel fortunate to come back to Evolve Housing,” the 65-year-old said.

“Evolve Housing cares about the renters. There are lots of activities and if we have a problem, we can head to the office where it’s so much easier to connect
with staff.”

Stella lived in Ascot Vale for 20 years before she was relocated for five years while the Victorian Government revamped the 80 old walk-up units into 200 modern apartments. Funded through a $104 million grant from the Big Housing Build initiative, the new complex offers a mix of social and affordable, one, two and three-bedroom homes, including five fully accessible apartments to support people living with disability.

This exciting initiative also saw the beginning of Evolve Housing’s expansion into Victoria, through Evolve Housing Vic Limited (EHVL). EHVL won the management of 100 social housing dwellings, as well as the maintenance for all common areas for the 200 dwellings in the renovated complex. Later, an additional 26 social housing units were also awarded to EHVL.

When Stella migrated to Australia from China, she couldn’t speak a single word of English but took it upon herself to learn. She also secured a job working in a sewing factory. She became an Australian resident when her son turned seven and life was going well for a while. However, when her marriage turned abusive, things took a turn for the worse.

Despite the challenging times, Stella never gave up on pursuing her dreams as an Evolve Housing renter.

Today she is an active member of the Victorian Resident Advisory Group (RAG) and involved in social housing activities such as the Women’s Group and the community garden.

She is also an avid member of the wider Ascot Vale community and involved in the Wingate Community Centre, a centre that focuses on social justice, advocacy and action on behalf of local people who are experiencing barriers to participation. Studying parttime, Stella hopes to assist the local community by becoming a Chinese interpreter.

“I’m a people person, I like to help others. I really want to be a Chinese Interpreter and get my certificate,” she said.

Since being a renter with Evolve Housing, Stella said she feels at home and is looking forward to many years with the Dunlop Avenue community, along with the support of Housing Manager Gavin Smith and Community
Connections Officer Eliza Amilale.

“Gavin and Eliza are quite warm and easy to talk to…I am very comfortable with them,” she said.

When asked for wise words for current and future renters, Stella said to look around because there is always someone willing to help. “Help is always near. For me, I feel very lucky to come back to Evolve Housing…I am home.”