Knowing I’ve got a home has changed me a lot.

For Samantha, having a stable home has made a big difference.

Originally from England, Samantha moved to Aotearoa when she was three. Since then, life has taken her across the country, with her father serving in the army and working at power stations.

After years of moving from house to house, Samantha has finally found stability in her home with Home in Place.

“My home is my home,” Samantha said. “The community is awesome.”

Before moving in, Samantha said life had been unsettled and uncertain, with no long term place where she felt safe or secure.

With support from those around her, Samantha was able to navigate the housing process and move into a place of her own. But setting up a new home came with its own challenges. Having only ever had a bedroom for the past 20 years, Samantha now had an entire house to fill and a home to make. She had a rocking chair and a single bed, but not much else, and one of the hardest parts was finding the furniture and household items she needed to get started.

Her community rallied around her, with donations including furniture helping turn the house into a more settled home.

For Samantha, the security and privacy of her home have been especially important. She said the lockable gate helps her feel safer and more comfortable.

Since moving in, Samantha said she feels more relaxed and more positive.

“Knowing I’ve got a home has changed me a lot,” she said.

When asked what she is most proud of, Samantha spoke about the support she has received from the people around her and the progress she has made in building a stable life for herself.