When Newcastle couple Lynda and Colin Creamer were forced to move out of another private rental because their landlord was selling the home, they were at their wits’ end.
Lynda said it was an extremely stressful time for the retired couple. It was added stress for Lynda who is in remission from breast cancer.
“There are so many people trying to rent, and rents are so expensive,” Lynda said. “We had to move out quickly and if we couldn’t find anything, we thought we would be homeless,” she said.
There are so many people trying to rent, and rents are so expensive,” Lynda said. “We had to move out quickly and if we couldn’t find anything, we thought we would be homeless.
Lynda said she cried when she was told that she and Col would be moving into a new villa at Thornton, near Maitland. The villa is one of 65 new homes in a new community built by Home in Place under the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund.
“Col and I feel so blessed to have this home after going through a lot of heartache.”
“When you go through something bad, something good can follow – and the good is our new home. It is like a Christmas present that we open every day.”
She said having the security of a long-term roof over their heads means so much to them. “When you are older, moving is physically and mentally tiring.”
“We love it here, the villa and the area. It is nice and quiet. We have some lovely neighbours, but you are not on top of each other.”
Lynda also has a muscle disease so appreciates her home and the area being flat and easy to navigate. Home in Place installed extra bathroom railings for Lynda too. The couple has an extra room so family can come and visit.
Col said he can’t fault the staff from Home in Place in organising their home but also providing other information and support.
“A big thank you to Ellen – one of the dedicated SAHF Tenant Relations Officers- for being so kind and helpful. They have gone out of their way to help us in any way. They have just been marvellous.”
