Leisa ready to move home, move forward
As for so many in our community, coping with the aftermath of the catastrophic flood of February 2022 has been tough for Lismore resident Leisa Russell. But with the help of Resilient Lismore’s Two Rooms project and our wonderful volunteers, she is getting ready to move back into her home and move forward with her life.
“Coming to terms with the loss and grief that follows a life changing event, being displaced and living between temporary accommodation and your broken house has been very distressing,” she said.
“Fortunately, the city of Lismore is a strong community who look out for one another.”
With such a large portion of the community directly impacted by the 2022 floods, Leisa said ongoing assistance was crucial to mental health and re-building efforts.
“I am a single woman who is very knowledgeable with tools thanks to a 25-year career as an upholsterer, however the task of rebuilding my gutted house was daunting to say the least,” she told us.
“The scope of the rebuild was so overwhelming that a year flew by with me feeling frozen and not knowing where to start.
“As the hubs, charities and voluntary groups closed down and left town and the government schemes and assistance seemed doubtful, the urgency of rebuilding pushed me to ask for help.
“Resilient Lismore remained for the community, offering a helping hand through their volunteers, tool and equipment library, and moral support. I registered some jobs with them, borrowed some hand tools, and got to work gutting what remained of my bathroom.”
Resilient Lismore assessed Leisa’s house as a candidate for the Two Rooms project, which involved lining some internal walls to help get part of her house back to a habitable state.
“I hired a couple of carpenters to help me get the framework ready for sheeting. Fortunately, a large building company was in town working on a commercial premises and offered to use their construction team to assist with lining some rooms for people,” she said.
“As they say the first steps seem the most daunting and a leg up was all I needed. After my kitchen space was sheeted the scope of the project seemed more achievable.
“Since that generous helping hand my house is starting to take shape and resemble its former self, allowing me to move back in soon to continue with the remaining restoration.
“I am so grateful for the assistance and support that Resilient Lismore has provided and knowing that their support will be ongoing for our community is a huge comfort.”
You are most welcome, Leisa.
Leisa’s home is one of about 130 Two Rooms projects we have completed, with another 180 in progress and more on the wait list to get to as soon as we can. It is an ongoing project so if you need help, please reach out.
