For years Gwenda and Robin lived on a farm just out of Westport. Then Robin was diagnosed with a serious illness which meant they needed to relocate to Christchurch to be closer to family and the medical services that Robin would need. As Gwenda explains:
“We were feeling incredibly stressed and hounded by a sense of urgency because of Robin’s illness. We couldn’t afford to buy a home and were looking at houses through the private rental market, but they were way out of our financial reach too. All we wanted was to be closer to family and medical services at this challenging time in our lives.”
They were feeling despondent about the future when their daughter suggested they contact Visionwest. As Gwenda explains:
“We met with Visionwest and completed a housing application form and prepared for a long wait. Then, within just a few weeks, we got a call from Visionwest Housing to say there was a place available for us. We couldn’t believe it. Next time we went over to Christchurch we stopped off and had a look around the neighbourhood and saw the house from the outside. We never went inside until the day we moved in, but we didn’t mind, we were just thrilled that a place had been found.”
Gwenda and Robin are quick to affirm that one of the best things about their new home is that it’s permanent. They know they won’t be suddenly asked to leave, and they tell everyone how wonderful it’s been to be able to settle in and make their house their own. As Gwenda explains:
“With Robin’s illness it’s important that he has somewhere stable that he can recognise. We’ve been able to put our own stamp on this place with our own pictures and things – things Robin recognises and that will give him a sense of security and safety as his condition worsens.
We appreciate all that Visionwest does. The Visionwest Support Navigators and Tenancy Managers may think they don’t do a lot but for a couple like us it’s a huge thing knowing people outside of our family really care and are there to support us whatever happens.”