From Volunteer to Partner Family: Ashley’s Journey

When the Black Saturday fires tore through Victoria in 2009, they destroyed more than homes. For many they damaged their sense of stability, safety, and for many, hope. For one Habitat for Humanity partner family in the Yea region, the road back began by volunteering and a willingness to show up for others.

"I have been aware of Habitat for about 13 years," Ashley recalls. "I was watching the Victorian 7:30 Report not long after the Black Saturday fires, and I saw the [then] CEO Phil Curtis doing an interview about houses being built in Yea."

That television segment changed everything for Ashley. Having lost his Dixons Creek rental home in the fires, he had been placed in emergency housing in Melbourne, cut off from community, grappling with the physical and mental toll of the fires.

Instead of waiting for help to arrive, Ashley responded with an offer to help others. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity Victoria and helped build the first four Habitat homes in the area.

"Becoming a volunteer gave me a focus during a very traumatic time. I was able to feel like I was achieving something, not only for me, but for the little community we were creating up here."

It was during this time that someone suggested Ashley might be eligible for a Habitat home. The experience of working alongside others to build homes and then moving into one of his own provided something that's hard to put a price on for Ashley, stability.

"The fact that you have a home you are assisting to build and then moving into is a very stabilising experience. Knowing you have a safe and secure home has been a great opportunity."

The journey wasn't without its challenges. But the support of Habitat staff along the way made a lasting impression. Today, Ashley is connected, and part of a community he helped build.

"I worked with volunteers from various groups, hardworking young and older people who worked extremely hard in sometimes challenging conditions. I was so grateful for their efforts.

"I want all of the people and organisations who helped  to know that you made a massive difference to me and my family. I will be forever grateful."