My journey from homelessness to hope: a story of transformation.

I was made redundant, and the overwhelming weight of financial instability and the strain on my relationships had me turning to drink to cope.

I entered a downward spiral of stress and heavy drinking which culminated in me suffering a stroke. And then I lost my home.

Finding myself on the streets was a humbling and terrifying experience. I remember the feeling of isolation and despair that came with being homeless. It felt as if family, friends — the world had turned its back on me, and I was left to navigate a harsh and unforgiving reality. Every day was a struggle for survival, an immediate stress response. A relentless search for food, shelter and safety. The psychological toll was immense, eroding my sense of self-worth and hope for the future. In the face of these seemingly insurmountable challenges, it was much easier to give in and lean on substances as a form of escape. To find some joy, some solace. An artificial sense of belonging. A trap and a curse.

I was desperate but unable to see a way out, and then I received a terrible wake-up call. My cousin, who I was extremely close to, died. Seeing that happen to someone I cared about broke my heart, and I resolved to stop the drugs and drink.

That’s what led me — homeless and defeated — to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre. I remember walking in, just looking for a place to stay. Little did I know that this step would mark the beginning of my journey towards recovery and transformation.

This story is one of countless reasons why St Pat’s are a valued partner of Minderoo. We most recently announced a $4 million contribution towards their new state of the art support centre in Fremantle which will provide 28 new social homes. You can find out more about St Pat’s great work here. (https://stpats.com.au/)

At St Pat’s, I found people who genuinely cared about my well-being. They provided more than just shelter; they offered me a sense of community and hope.

Caption: Jaron has recently been mentoring St Pat’s volunteers like Shane. Credit: Sophie Moore, St Pat’s Community Support Centre.

The staff and volunteers listened to my story without judgment and offered the support I needed to start rebuilding my life. They also understood that homelessness is not a choice but often the result of circumstances beyond one’s control. They treated me with dignity and respect, which was the first step in restoring my shattered self-esteem.

The truth is that the stigma attached to homelessness often overshadows the fact that those experiencing it are someone’s aunty, uncle, brother, sister, father, mother, daughter or son. It has a devastating impact on your sense of self-worth, which only worsens those feelings of isolation and disempowerment.

After St Pat’s gave me a roof over my head, I realised I couldn’t just sit around, so I began volunteering in the donations warehouse.

Sorting through donations and organising supplies gave me a purpose and a routine, something I desperately needed. It also provided me with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. I was then offered a few hours of paid work each week, which eventually expanded to occasional shifts cleaning the dining room and toilets.

These tasks, though humble, were a vital part of maintaining the welcoming environment that had meant so much to me. As I started to take pride in my work, I started to have some tiny semblance of pride in myself. The sense of responsibility, a home and the small but steady income helped me regain some stability. It was a slow process, but each day brought a small victory—a reminder that I was capable of contribution, and that I had not been defeated by my circumstances. The support and encouragement I received from the St Pat’s community were invaluable in this phase of my journey. I began seeing a clinical psychologist weekly, thanks to a mental health plan, and I attended meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous. I showed up to work on time. I didn’t care about pay. I cared about investing in some meaning in my life.

After about a year of volunteering and part-time work, I applied for a role as an Emergency Relief Case Worker. This position allowed me to give back directly to those in situations similar to what I had experienced. I could offer empathy and understanding to individuals in crisis, drawing from my own experiences to provide meaningful support.

One year later, I transitioned to the role of Corporate Support Officer, where I focused on IT needs while still assisting with donations and supporting staff. My efforts did not go unnoticed; this year, I was honoured at the National Not-for-Profit Technology Awards as Best Accidental IT Person.

This recognition was more than just an award; it was a validation of my journey and the skills I had developed along the way. Merely being nominated was an acknowledgement of my peers that I had become an integral part of their lives. It demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, one could achieve personal and professional growth. The journey from homelessness to a recognised IT professional was not just about overcoming my challenges but also about redefining what is possible when given the right support and opportunities. It has become my biggest responsibility to look after myself, only then, when I am okay; am I also useful to my friends, peers, colleagues and family.

Speaking of family, I recently bought a house with my gorgeous partner, Shelley. It’s a dream come true, and I couldn’t have done it without the stability and fulfilment that my work at St Pat’s provides. Our daughter, Maisie, is growing up in a home filled with love and hope, values that St Pat’s has helped to reinforce in our lives.

Owning a home was something I never thought possible during my darkest days. It is an absolute miracle in the current market. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support. The security and stability of having our own home has provided a strong foundation for our family, allowing us to plan for a brighter future. It overwhelms me to think that my daughter, or her children, might sit beneath the shade of the trees that I plant now.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude and determination. Gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible organization, and determination to continue advocating for those who need our help the most.

I urge everyone reading this to consider how they can support St Pat’s, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about our mission.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. By supporting organizations like St Pat’s, we are investing in the potential of individuals and the health of our community as a whole. Each act of kindness, each donation, and each moment of understanding brings us one step closer to a world where no one has to face homelessness alone.

“Thank you for being part of my journey. Your support means the world.”