Jennifer’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of safe, stable, and supportive housing. When she arrived at the refuge at just 13, she was apprehensive, believing that “living in a refuge was rock bottom.” She feared there was no path forward, but the refuge soon became a place of growth and healing.
Jennifer’s journey began at Caretakers Cottage in Bondi, a shelter that offers vital support to homeless youth by providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can rebuild their lives. Caretakers Cottage often sees young people who have come from unstable, unsafe, or broken homes and ensures they receive the resources and guidance needed to thrive. Through partnerships with local services and a comprehensive approach to care, the organisation plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of at-risk youth. Through our Brush with Kindness program, and with the support of Dulux paint, we partnered with Laurie, CEO of the shelter, to refresh bedrooms, living rooms, and communal spaces to help bring new life and the possibility of a fresh start to the youth shelter.
Jennifer was no stranger to living in a space that embodied chaos; however, upon arriving at the freshly painted shelter, she fondly recalls, “coming home to this refuge, to a clean environment is so important because for everyone living here, you don’t have a second home. This is your home.” The clean, safe space fostered the environment she needed to rebuild her life “it’s obviously pre lived in, everyone has, you know, come in, lived and then left – but there is so much like energy and like presence in that room. And you know, seeing it freshly painted is like a fresh start”. Over time, she came to realise that the refuge was far more than just temporary shelter – it was a place that nurtured her sense of self-worth and independence.
Jennifer’s time at the refuge also ignited a passion for housing and advocacy, a path she is now pursuing with great determination. She tells us, “I signed my first lease at 16…And I just decided to join a real estate course, and hopefully I can work my way up to the top and get a set of apartment blocks and house people, young people, women escaping domestic violence.” Her personal experience has enabled her to see firsthand how crucial it is for young people to have stable homes and the detrimental impact it can have on education, health, and social connectedness when they remain in unsafe housing or are at risk of homelessness. As she puts it, “Living in a not so clean environment… being able to like go into a room that was my own – it’s really powerful for a young girl.”
Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, and her desire to help others find safe, empowering spaces is now driving her toward a future where she can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
You can watch the full video including more of Jennifer’s story, here.