In the heart of Bellfield, Kylie’s dreams have just come true. A new resident of Launch Housing’s new development at Bellfield in Melbourne’s north, Kylie shared her heartwarming journey during the opening ceremony last November.
“Three years ago, I left my abusive home with just a few pairs of clothing. I spent a year living in motels, and then two more years in emergency housing,” she recalled. These were times of uncertainty, a mere roof over her head, but not a home.
Bellfield, part of the Homes Victoria Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build and Banyule City Council’s broader precinct activation, has been a beacon of hope for many like Kylie. “This is the first home that is truly my home. It’s been the only thing I’ve ever wished for,” Kylie expresses with heartfelt gratitude. The development, featuring 58 dwellings with sustainable design and community spaces, has not just provided Kylie a house, but a safe haven, a place she proudly calls home.
Kylie’s story highlights the transformative power of secure housing. “Most of my life before then, I didn’t have a stable place to live. I was always sick, my mental health was bad, and I was stressed all the time,” she shares. Now, in her new home, Kylie experiences a renewed sense of well-being. “This home has changed my life. Now I’m decorating my house, having my friends over to visit, and planning for the future. My mental health is so much better now that I have a home.”
The change in Kylie is evident to those around her. “My worker said to me the other week, after I moved in, that the ‘old Kylie is back, happy Kylie is back’,” she recounts with a smile. This statement encapsulates the profound impact of Bellfield on peoples’ lives.
Kylie’s story is a shining example of how Bellfield is more than just buildings; it’s about rebuilding lives and fostering communities. It’s a reminder that every person deserves a place to call home, a sanctuary where they can thrive and dream again.
