Vera was a resident of Peter McVerry Trust’s emergency accommodation in Co. Kildare before she moved on to her own accommodation in Newbridge.

“After being in the service for almost two years…I’ve moved on with my life. It’s taken me a while to get used to knowing what I’ve achieved since the beginning of this year. I’m so happy that I have this little place and where I am living is so lovely and quiet,” she says.

“It’s just nice to hear the birds in the morning when I wake up…the peace and quietness are just what I need.”

Vera has also secured employment in the local area.

“I have a nice little job now, working in a hotel,” she says. “I did hotel work before when I was in my twenties and now I’m back into hotel work.

I’m looking forward to the rest of my life. It’s up to me how I choose it and what I want to do with my life. And I know now what I want to do with my life is to work hard…and I have. I would like to stay with the hotel industry and make something better out of myself…touch wood and see what happens.

“In the meantime, this is my little home and this is going to be my home.”