Makbule Ozalp

Makbule Ozalp loves her new home in the High Rise at Lygon Street. She loves the warmth of the heating system, the north-facing windows that allow her homely lounge room to be bathed in winter sunshine and catch the cool breezes that circulate even in mid-summer.

Importantly, being offered the flat when the walk-ups were demolished in Carlton meant Makbule hasn’t moved far from her friends, her doctor or the hospital. She can visit the Queen Victoria Market and work in the communal garden.

More than all that, she may owe her life to where she lives: in 2008 she suffered a stroke, but in minutes she was in the emergency ward at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Originally from Turkey, Makbule has little English, so her daughter Serpil explained that her mother and brother were both very grateful for their flat.

"She knows it is difficult for the Office (of Housing) to accommodate everyone’s needs and she wishes that others seeking a place in community housing can have what she has received," Serpil said.

"She is very happy here because she is still close to her friends as well as her doctor and the hospital and the places she knows."

A favourite pastime for Makbule is working in the community garden, growing vegetables she uses herself and exchanges with other gardeners. It gives her an interest and exercise, as well as fresh produce. It is a valuable social outlet and a place to meet her neighbours.

"She really feels at home here," said Serpil.