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 a 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 white, red, green, and blue plaid apron holds a baking tray with freshly baked cookies in a kitchen.
Living room with beige sectional sofa, wooden coffee table, armchairs, green plants, and framed artwork on the wall, viewed 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 burnt orange velvet sofa with three decorative pillows—dark purple, dark green, and white shaggy—placed on it. A closed silver laptop with a Windows logo on top rests on the sofa next to the pillows. In the background, there is a bookcase with vinyl records and a small section of a colorful patterned rug is visible on a wooden floor.

“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.”

Person holding a birthday cake with lit candles, inside a warmly lit room.

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 vase of red tulips, a framed photo of two children, a string of pearls, a small container of pens, and a bookshelf with books and bottles, near a window with potted plants.

*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

Multiple colorful socks hanging on a clothesline against a blue sky with some clouds.

*Natasha’s story

When the world feels like it’s closing in on you, we open the door to safety and certainty. With access to temporary accommodation and support as you need it, our transitional housing is here for you. Always.