Nichole Ann Dobson

"From Stability to Uncertainty: Nicole Dobson's Journey and the Impact of Orange Sky"‍

Nicole Dobson's story is a poignant reminder of how quickly life circumstances can change and the vital role community support plays in times of need. Her experience with sudden housing insecurity and her observations about Orange Sky's services offer valuable insights into the challenges many face and the power of compassionate community initiatives.

Nicole, who moved to the Central Coast area from northern New South Wales five years ago, recently found herself in an unexpected situation. "I've just recently though had to move," she explains. "I was living in a lovely sort of duplex kind of house in Swansea Heads with great views and it was just like an absolute wonderful find of a house and that sold suddenly with the buyer stipulating vacancy." This abrupt change left Nicole with just 30 days to find new accommodation, a challenge that opened her eyes to the housing crisis affecting many in her community.

Through her search for new housing, Nicole discovered the extent of the problem. "It wasn't until I was in this situation and actually looking on, you know, private rental sites and different groups on Facebook that I realised how many people were desperate for houses and, you know, have been months, some even years, without getting accepted." This experience gave her a newfound appreciation for the struggles many families face, including those living in their cars due to lack of affordable housing options.

Nicole's story highlights a particular challenge faced by immigrants seeking housing. She shares an example: "There was a family that they'd migrated here. So the wife had specialised nursing skills. So they were brought in. She's working full time. But he can't find work yet... And they've got kids and they're all living in their car. They can't get a house because they haven't got references. They haven't got an Australian rental history." This situation underscores the need for more comprehensive support systems for those new to the country, especially those brought in to fill specialized roles.

It was during this challenging time that Nicole discovered Orange Sky's services. "I think I'd just come down to the library and I'd seen you guys and I'd just asked what was happening," she recalls. The free laundry service provided by Orange Sky has been a valuable resource for Nicole, especially given the high costs of using local laundromats.

But for Nicole, the impact of Orange Sky goes far beyond the practical service of clean laundry. She emphasises the non-judgmental approach and kindness of the volunteers: "I love that there's no questions asked. They don't, there's no discrimination. So if you don't look homeless, you're not, you know, shunned or anything. In fact, you know, they're just beautiful people that welcome you and sit down and have a chat with you."

Nicole believes that the impact of this kindness is immeasurable. "I don't know that you can measure that. I think you can't measure kindness," she says. "I mean, it can have a profound effect on a person's day. To have a small bit of kindness in the morning can mean that someone can have a wonderful day because it, you know, when we smile at one another with genuine warmth and care, it's a wonderful thing."

The volunteer-led model of Orange Sky is something Nicole particularly appreciates. She believes it keeps the organization grounded and focused on people rather than metrics: "I think it just keeps it very down to earth. Then it's very people-oriented. If it's a job, it tends to change everything, doesn't it? It becomes about money and about outcomes and about, you know, reaching yourself. Reaching your CPIs and all of that jazz. It's just when it's volunteers, we're all in it together kind of thing."

Nicole Dobson's story serves as a powerful reminder of the precariousness of housing security and the vital role that organizations like Orange Sky play in supporting those facing hardship. Her experience highlights not only the practical value of services like free laundry but also the profound impact of kindness and non-judgmental support. As communities continue to grapple with housing affordability and homelessness, stories like Nicole's underscore the importance of compassionate, volunteer-led initiatives in fostering a sense of dignity and belonging for all members of society.