When Thangjam, his wife Kristine, and their newborn son Jacob were offered a home with Housing Choices Australia, it came at a time when their family needed stability most.
Thangjam and his family are a proud multicultural household living in Melbourne. Before moving into their new home in Swift Walk, Thangjam and Kristine had spent years in shared housing, moving between suburbs and managing arrangements that became increasingly difficult after the arrival of their baby. With limited income and a growing family, they made the decision early to apply for social housing through the Victorian Housing Register, knowing that stable, long-term housing would be essential for their future.
When the offer arrived, the impact was immediate.
“We have been waiting for a miracle to happen, especially since Jacob came into our lives. The offer of a home with Housing Choices Australia, during a rather difficult time, was nothing short of a miracle for us,” Thangjam said.
By taking the time to understand the family’s situation and acting quickly, Britta supported them to inspect a two-bedroom home that same day. With a newborn, having space for a growing family made a meaningful difference to their day-to-day life.
“In our wildest dreams, we didn’t think about getting the offer of a two-bedroom home, let alone a one-bedroom home. But Britta’s very sincere and genuine understanding of our circumstances made the difference.”
Britta’s decision reflected a people-first approach, responding to changed circumstances and prioritising what would best support the family at that time. Her support extended further to practical details that helped Thangjam and his family settle more comfortably into their new home.
“Seeing such a great outcome for this family is very rewarding in my role, and it’s always a great reminder of why we do the job we do,” Britta said.
Support that puts people first
A key part of the family’s journey was the support they received from Britta in HCA’s Housing Allocations team. From the start, Thangjam felt listened to and supported through what can often be a complex and stressful process.
“I would consider meeting Britta, our Housing Allocations Officer, as a blessing.”
During the allocation process, Britta worked with the family to reassess their needs after the birth of their son, ensuring the home offered reflected their changed circumstances. This conversation took place on the day they attended the Melbourne office to sign a lease for a one-bedroom home.
Thangjam shared, “Words will always fail to describe some rare moments of life… a feeling to be cherished for a lifetime.”
Room to settle and grow
Moving into their new home marked a powerful turning point. For Thangjam, receiving the keys was about more than securing housing. It represented safety, dignity, and the chance to plan for the future.
“Getting the keys and settling into a new home with our newborn is like getting the keys to new hopes and dreams for my family. It’s a very humbling feeling, to say the least.”
Thangjam and his family are now enjoying life in a modern, secure home, close to public transport and city amenities. Some of the moments that matter most are every day and bring a sense of normality and calm.
“We really enjoy washing baby Jacob’s clothes in the communal laundry. It’s on the rooftop of our building, with magnificent views of the city skyline.”
Space for what comes next
Having a stable home has given Thangjam, Kristine, and baby Jacob the foundation they need as a family to look forward with confidence. It has created space to focus on raising their child, building routines, and planning for the future.
This story is a reminder of the impact of people-first decision-making. By listening, understanding individual circumstances, and acting with care, our teams at Housing Choices Australia help create homes that support stability, dignity, and opportunity for families when they need it most.
About Swift Walk
Thangjam and family live at Swift Walk, a new mixed-tenure housing precinct in Kensington delivered through a partnership between Housing Choices Australia and Assemble, with investment from HESTA and support from the Australian Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFF). The development includes social and affordable homes alongside shared green spaces and community facilities, and is designed to provide secure, long-term housing close to transport, jobs and essential services. Swift Walk reflects how collaboration between community housing providers, developers and institutional investors can help deliver high-quality housing that supports people and communities to thrive.
