One crisis away from homelessness

David had a plan to get by when his landlord gave notice to renovate the place he called home for 12 years.

As a long-time formwork carpenter, spending more than a decade working on high rise projects, David was used to the routine of work. Taking on a Fly-In, Fly-Out role in the mines, David mapped out a plan where he would put his belongings in storage, continue to work, and stay at a hotel and with friends on his days off.

What he hadn’t taken into consideration was the job falling through.

With modest savings to draw upon and the hope of another job on the horizon, David believed he had only encountered a slight bump in the road. Instead, his situation quickly spiralled into a crisis.

“I was thinking, ‘how am I going to get out of this?’,” recalls David.

Spending several months in an uncertain cycle of living from one day to the next out of a suitcase, David braved the elements on the streets and near the ocean, relying on the kindness of strangers for food.

He filled his days walking from his makeshift campsite to the library where he read and used the wi-fi to look for jobs. Each application started with hope but soon the reality of his situation set in.

“When you haven’t got an address… you haven’t got a razor to make yourself presentable for an interview, it’s very hard.”

Each night David returned to his makeshift campsite, located underneath a fort near a playground, he was filled with the anxiety of not knowing if his belongings would be there waiting for him.

One night he discovered a sandwich bag alongside his suitcase, containing a note that lifted his spirits. 

I hope this helps
Here’s $3
Charlie, aged 7

David never imagined becoming homeless. He didn’t envision how one hitch could lead to so many things coming undone so quickly. Three dollars wasn’t going to change his circumstances, but such an act of random kindness gave hope that he wasn’t forgotten. 

As the weeks went by and his suitcase began to deteriorate, David headed to a nearby Vinnies Shop in search of a replacement. In speaking with the shop staff and opening up about his circumstances, Deb, the shop manager, recognised David as someone in need and was driven to lend a hand.

“He mentioned how he didn’t get much sleep as any little sound or movement had him on edge,” says Deb.

After reaching out to a few connections and being directed to a nearby crisis accommodation service run by the St Vincent de Paul Society, Deb called to see if a bed was available for a stranger she had just met.

For the first time in a long time, David caught a break in his situation.

David spent two weeks at the service where he experienced a newfound appreciation for things he previously took for granted. A bed to sleep in. A shower to wash himself. Meals throughout the day.

He worked with the service staff to apply for housing and found a one-bedroom unit that he now calls home.

Having lived in survival mode, unsure of what the next day would bring or where his next meal would come from, Vinnies gave David the support to get back on his feet and look towards tomorrow.

“I got the place on the Wednesday, and I moved in on the Saturday. I lost everything in my storage unit. Vinnies organised furniture, fridge, appliances – the lot – cooking utensils, sheets, pillows. They supported me the whole way and with everything I needed,” says David.

David is now back on the worksite and has kept in touch with the crisis accommodation service that was there for him. He keeps the note he received from Charlie as a reminder of the support he’s received.

Your support ensures people like David have somewhere to turn to in times of need.