After two cancer diagnoses, major surgery, and losing her job, 65-year-old Michelle credits one thing for helping her stay afloat: stable, affordable housing.
Michelle, a long-time resident of City West Housing in Pyrmont, was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2019 after a routine blood test. At the time, she was already facing personal challenges, including a relationship breakdown, chronic pain from arthritis and osteopenia, and significant weight gain.
“I was lonely and depressed. I could barely walk five minutes without pain,” Michelle recalls.
Michelle’s diagnosis became a wake-up call. With the support of her medical team, she began walking daily and gradually adopted a structured exercise and nutrition plan with help from a personal trainer. Her hard work paid off.
In 2021, she was hit with another blow: aggressive colon cancer. Within three weeks of the diagnosis, she underwent surgery and began chemotherapy. Michelle was then made redundant from her job in 2023, along with many other employees.
Fortunately, one constant gave her stability — her home.
Having lived in affordable housing through City West Housing for over a decade, Michelle says it made all the difference.
“If I was renting privately, I probably would have ended up homeless,” she says. “I was incredibly lucky to have had this apartment while I was recovering from cancer and a knee operation.”
Now in remission and 40 kilos lighter, Michelle is thriving.
“I feel strong and healthy,” she says. “Affordable housing allowed me to focus on getting better, not just surviving but rebuilding my life.”
At a time of high rents and when women aged over 55 are at much greater risk of being homelessness, Michelle’s story highlights the life-changing impact of secure, affordable housing.
