Help Louise find a home and hope again!

Hi, my name is Priya and I’m a 19-year-old Visual Arts student at the University of Melbourne. Before you read, all the money raised will go directly to Louise or if/when she has enough money, will be donated to the Australian Red Cross.   

So, meet Louise Wilksch, a resilient 71-year-old who has called Brunswick East her cherished home for the past 25 years. But today, she faces a heart-wrenching eviction that threatens to uproot her from the place she holds dear. With just two weeks left to find new housing, Louise's world has been turned upside down.

Louise has been a pillar of her community, creating memories, friendships, and a sense of belonging that can only come from a place you've poured your heart into. For years, her humble abode has been a sanctuary of warmth and comfort, where she's weathered life's storms and celebrated its joys. With rent at an affordable $900 a month, she's enjoyed a stable living situation that allowed her to thrive.

However, the current housing market has dealt a cruel blow to Louise's dreams. As she surveys the options available, the reality hits hard—finding a place she can afford, let alone one that preserves her sense of familiarity, is an uphill battle. The stark truth is that she's in danger of losing not just a home, but her community, her friends, and her sense of self.

Louise's story is far from unique. The housing and homelessness crisis in Australia is reaching unbearable levels, and Louise is now among the 19,300 individuals aged 55 and over who are facing homelessness.

In the face of adversity, Louise remains steadfast, but the stress has taken a toll on her health. When she received the eviction notice, she shared, "It’s sent me into shock. I couldn’t eat for a few days and then I got a really bad cold. I think from the stress."

Your contribution, no matter the size, will be an investment in someone's life—a gesture that says we stand together as a community, refusing to let one of our own slip through the cracks of a system that's failing too many. Together, we can show Louise that she's not alone, and that there's still kindness and empathy to be found in this world.

Let's rewrite Louise's story, giving her the chance to live out her golden years with the dignity and security she deserves. Donate today and share her story with your friends, family, and anyone who believes in the power of compassion to change lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Priya Stern.