A Day in the Life of a Woman at Women's Space

I woke up at 5am to the sound of garbage trucks collecting the week’s rubbish. I’m a middle-aged woman who has been living in my car for several months. The first time I visited Fletcher Street Cottage, I was grateful for a hot breakfast, a shower, and the chance to sit down and talk with a support worker. It was the first time in months of homelessness that I truly felt heard.

Most people don’t believe my story, but this worker did. She phoned an emergency accommodation provider and secured me a short stay. But after a few days I was told to leave because I had a small amount of savings — money I’d withdrawn from my superannuation in case my adult children ever needed me. It’s not enough to secure a private rental, and my pension doesn’t cover rent. Because of a medical condition, I can no longer work. I feel stuck.

I’ve also been told that because I haven’t lived in the area for very long and I’m not fleeing domestic or family violence, local housing services can’t support me into social or community housing. I feel disempowered and hopeless. But the support worker at Fletcher Street Cottage links me with a psychologist for face-to-face sessions, which gives me some hope. She also books me an appointment with a visiting GP, who refers me to a specialist to help manage my condition.

The worker then tells me about Women’s Afternoon at Fletcher Street Cottage - a calm, supportive space for women only. I breathe a sigh of relief. It can be intimidating to use the showers when men are around.

When I first walked into Women’s Afternoon, I noticed the warm smiles of the women there and the soft music playing. I made a cup of tea, grabbed a plate of food and felt my nerves begin to settle. Around me, women were chatting, making clay works, painting and weaving. For the first time in a long time, I felt less alone. I use Women’s Space to do my washing, attend appointments and access the emergency relief I need. They also ran a workshop that taught us how to make healthy meals with low-cost pantry items - something very useful for many of us.

Since that first day at Fletcher Street Cottage, I’m now more connected to services, my mental health has improved and soon I’ll be eligible for housing support. When I first arrived, I was ready to give up. I couldn’t see a way out. Now, I have hope. I’ve made friends with other women in the same situation, and I feel less alone.