Those who've found a home
Below are a few real stories of how we have helped people on the journey of owning their own home. These are real stories and pics of real houses. These are stories from the 10 years leading up to the founding of Keep Living Well. We can't help a lot of people all at once - just step by step. And the best pathway is to have a vision for a simple start. Live simply, keep it affordable and grow from there.
Finding hope after the 2022 Flood
This real example is of a woman who was homeless after the flood hit Lismore, Northern NSW. Her and her son were living in a tent. They had received an oppotunity of support to build a tiny house with another program. However, she was still lacking in some funds and practical skills. Keep Living Well provided a small loan, guidance and practical help. In mid 2023, we arranged a group of volunteers to help raise the frame, put on a roof and wrap the tiny. She is now on the way to secure, affordable accommodation.
Big family low income
This family south of Sydney approached us for help to buy a home. Because of the number of children and low income they didn't have enough to get a loan. There are many families like this at risk of discplacement in a heated rental market with not enough supply. In this case , (before the charity existed) we offered a small loan with a letter to satisfy the bank and they were able to buy a fixer-upper. They worked hard, refinanced and paid us out within a year.
Facing eviction
This couple were renting an affordable old house in Sydney that was going to be demolished for a development. They found this abandoned house on the north coast of NSW. They had good practical skills but no deposit. We were able to assist them practically and financially with a loan to secure this home. In time, they were able to fix it and find approval for a regular bank loan to repay us. They now have secure accommodation that they can keep.
Low income, simple living
This family had low income and little deposit. But they were happy to start out simply. They moved onto a block of land with a caravan with a view to establishing a more permanent living arrangement. We also helped to add a simple small cabin.
Low income with land
Outside of Oz we've helped a number of people build their home in Timor. The woman pictured here worked in a small sewing business (another cool story) and we extended a loan to her which she could comfortably repay. With these funds she was able to build her own home - we might not think it much but it meant the world to her.