After years of setbacks, solitude and separations, Catherine started to believe loneliness was simply something she would have to live with.

Originally from Adelaide, Catherine moved to Balaklava while six months pregnant, leaving an abusive relationship and seeking safety close to her parents.

“It was a difficult time, but I wanted somewhere I could start again and raise my son,” Catherine said.

However, after the loss of both her parents, Catherine relocated to Victor Harbor, which was as close to Adelaide as she could afford for a rental property. While the move offered a fresh start, she soon began to feel isolated.

“I missed having people around me. I felt really lonely,” she said.

Keen to return to a familiar community, Catherine registered for community housing with Junction and secured a home in Balaklava in 2021.

“It was nice to be back in the (Balaklava) community, but as my son got older, I knew he wanted to be closer to his friends. I thought I would be ok alone when he eventually moved out but it was far lonelier and harder than I expected.

“I was proud of him, but suddenly it was just me.”

Living in a regional area also presented transport challenges for Catherine.

“My car was getting older and I worried about what would happen if it broke down,” she said.

With limited options, Catherine feared she’d be forced to remain apart from her son. A conversation with her Junction housing manager, about the organisation’s new housing and community hub at Tonsley, changed that.

“Tonsley is less than 10 minutes from my son so I expressed my interest and was lucky enough to be able transfer to a new apartment,” she said.

Today, Catherine enjoys easy access to public transport, regular visits to the local library and opportunities to connect with neighbours and the wider community.

“It’s just so beautiful here, the quality of my apartment gives me a sense of dignity and self-worth,” she said.

Catherine also credits Junction’s ongoing support for helping her build confidence and connections.

“They’ve helped me meet people, get involved in the community and feel like I belong,” Catherine said.

“Without Junction, I wouldn’t have been able to move closer to my son and I am really part of a community again.”