St Vincent de Paul Society Australia genetic logo

1800 846 643

Donate

<h2>Find Help</h2>
We offer a wide range of services assisting people of all backgrounds and circumstances, providing direct help and/or support and pathways to finding help. 
Explore the services we provide to learn more about how we can help, or call 1800 846 643 now to talk to our team.

Hardship Relief

Disaster Recovery

Housing & Homelessness

Community Support

Aged Care Services

Financial Wellbeing

Youth Support

Learn More

Find Help

Make a Donation

Join Us

Vinnies CEO Sleepout

Fundraise

Leave a Gift in Your Will

Your Impact

Schools

Get Involved

Find a Store

Donate Goods

Benefits of Op-Shopping

What's On at Vinnies

Volunteer With Us

Shops

Advocacy

Vinnies Housing Tenants

About Us

Our History

Our Structure

Mission, Vision, & Values

Strategic Plan '23-27

FAQ's

Reports & Policies

News & Publications

News & Media Releases

Publications

Stories of Hope

Contact Us

| Vinnies

Home

ACT & surrounds

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

National Council

SVdP Housing Australia

Jarrod's Story

Spacer

‘LOVED BACK TO LIFE’ AT GILLIES HOUSE
Brisbane resident Jarrod has seen addiction destroy entire lives – his own included.
“For everyone I knew who were battling addiction or sleeping on the street, I haven’t met a single person that didn’t want to change. I haven’t met anyone who didn’t wish for a better life,” he said.
For years, Jarrod sadly battled with addiction, ultimately leaving him homeless on the streets of Melbourne in the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I remember just thinking there was no escape for me – I wasn’t going to make it out.”
“I had lost everything, how could I ever start fresh without a place to live? How could I hold a job? How would I ever start again?” he recalled.
A desperate call to one of Jarrod’s mentors and old friends became his first step in the escape he never thought possible.
Matt, who had his own inspiring experience overcoming addiction and homelessness, connected Jarrod to the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.
With a renewed sense of determination, arriving in Queensland Jarrod was offered a place in residential recovery-based program, Gillies House.
The support team at Gillies House met Jarrod with so much more than a safe place to sleep.
For the first in a long time, he was surrounded with people who wanted to see him succeed and greeted him each day with care and support as he embarked on his journey to recovery.
“Vinnies does it different – they just get it right,” Jarrod said.
“That love and encouragement I had at Gillies, that gentle hand on the shoulder – it’s unbelievable the difference it’s made.
“I feel like I’ve been loved back to life.”
After successfully completing the program at Gillies House, Jarrod secured his own apartment and now lives independently working full-time in Brisbane. He continues to be supported by St Vincent de Paul on his journey to rehabilitation and recovery.

Rich Text