A space

to call her

own

How Mikayla discovered Sunrise Foundation and found a home that changed everything.

When Mikayla found herself unable to secure shelter at an Aboriginal refuge, her first thoughts turned to finding alternative means of support that catered for cultural safety and respect.

“Unfortunately, the refuge was full, but a case worker told me about Sunrise Foundation and said I was eligible for a property,” she says. “My work made me eligible, so I signed the paperwork and came over to look at the apartment without the furniture – I loved it right away.”

A woman wearing a black shirt and a plaid apron holding a baking sheet with freshly baked cookies in a kitchen.
View of a modern living room with a beige sofa, wooden chairs, a round coffee table, indoor plants, and framed artwork on the walls, seen through a window.

While Mikayla’s caseworker encouraged her to look at another apartment upstairs, she felt strongly that she’d found the right one, first go.

“They tried so hard to convince me to go upstairs, thinking I might like the other one-bedroom, but I said, ‘no, I like this one”

Mikayla moved into her new home within days and was able to take advantage of Sunrise’s offer of all-new furniture.

A pinkish-orange velvet sofa with decorative pillows including a green round pillow, a purple round pillow, and a white furry pillow. There is a closed silver Microsoft Surface laptop on the sofa. To the right, a bookshelf with vinyl records and a colorful patterned rug are visible.

“I’d wanted a fresh start and to get rid of all the bad energy from my old stuff, plus I didn't really have anything nice,” she says. “Then I got this big, beautiful surprise with a choice of beds, chairs, a washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher – I just love it here.”

A woman holding a birthday cake with lit candles indoors, with a warm lamp in the background.

For Mikayla, the experience of living in a space that feels like home has been lifechanging.

“I’ve never had anything like this before, I feel really blessed to have this beautiful apartment,” she adds. “It’s my place where I go to relax and I'm not leaving until you drag me out.”

A desk with a bouquet of red tulips in a textured glass vase, a framed photograph of a man holding a child, a pearl necklace, and small bottles, with a bookshelf filled with books and a potted plant on top, near a window with white curtains.

To respect the privacy of our residents, some names, locations and personal details have been changed. What hasn’t changed is the heart of their story — and the impact a stable home can make.

Next: Stability in 
time of transition

Colorful socks hanging on a clothesline outdoors against a blue sky with clouds.

Ravi’s Story Headline

The market may feel challenging but your search for home doesn’t have to be. Hear the stories of those who have found affordable solutions with the help of Sunrise.