Dean's journey: from homelessness to hope

Homelessness can happen to anyone, and for dean, it was a journey that tested his resilience and strength.

Having been married for over 22 years, a marital breakdown left him without a home. Dean found himself sleeping rough for three months, staying in a park and occasionally in his car, while still trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy by going to work every day. "Those 3 months threw up lots of challenges for me both mentally and physically," dean recalls. "I was still working full-time and making sure I didn’t miss a day of work. So, it was a laugh amongst others in the park that they would see me get up to go and shower in a local change room, but come out in a suit to head off to work." 

During this period, dean’s mental health deteriorated rapidly. "My mental health deteriorated quite rapidly because I was of the belief that I didn’t deserve to be happy or even safe because I had left my children and the marital home," he shares. The belief that he didn't deserve to be happy or safe, combined with feelings of guilt, led him into a spiral of heavy drinking as a coping mechanism. His existing PTSD from military service exacerbated the situation, making it even harder to cope. 

Dean’s experience highlights a significant issue: the interplay between homelessness and mental health. According to the australian bureau of statistics (ABS), one in three people (34%) with a reported mental health condition have experienced homelessness in their lifetime, compared with one in six people (15%) without a mental health condition. It's not just about lacking a place to stay; the psychological toll can be immense. "It’s that sense of not being worthy to be happy, as well as not allowing myself to even go and have a comfortable safe motel room," dean reflects. "Plus, the added shame of not being able to reach out to friends to seek assistance." 

Isolation further intensified dean's struggles. "The isolation contributed considerably to my mental health deteriorating quicker each day," he says. "Not being able to communicate with my children and losing a huge part of my life with my ex-wife felt like I had nothing to actually live for. My self-worth plummeted." 

Despite these challenges, a turning point came when dean's ex-wife encouraged him to attend an event for their children. "My ex-wife came and supported me to attend an event for my children. She spoke to me honestly but with love and care, to look after myself and that she still cared about my well-being," dean recalls. This conversation was a catalyst for change, leading dean to secure stable housing and begin his recovery journey. "I took steps after that to get stable accommodation," he adds. 

Dean's story underscores the critical role of support systems. He credits his local aboriginal medical service and a compassionate nurse for providing him with the necessary care and guidance. "My local aboriginal medical service was a fantastic help. A safe space so to speak," dean shares. "But the most influential individual was a nurse at another medical centre who physically walked me to a hospital quite some distance away and sat with me until I was seen and admitted under the care of veteran affairs." 

Reflecting on his journey, dean emphasizes the need for empathy and practical support for those experiencing homelessness. "By physically being there when someone is sleeping rough. Providing help where needed, but also respecting their space," he notes. Dean believes that lived experience can be invaluable in assisting others, advocating for services that meet people where they are. "Find a safe space and be aware of things available. When in need, go to a safe community place (no need to talk to anyone)," he advises. 

Dean’s journey is a powerful reminder that homelessness is more than just a lack of shelter; it deeply impacts mental health and self-worth. It also emphasises the importance of community and support systems in helping individuals find stability and hope. As dean wisely says, "things take time. Always look to give back." 

Support resources for those experiencing homelessness 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges, the following resources can provide support: 

Nationwide 

1800respect - 1800respect.org.au  
australia’s national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service. Phone - 1800 737 732  

Askizzy - askizzy.org.au  
find nearby services for those in need, including housing, food, and health services.  

GIVIT - givit.org.au  
provides items, services, and vouchers to australians in need.  

777 Movement ltd - 777movement.org.au  
helps australians experiencing homelessness or food insecurity by supplying free food packs and hampers. The  

Goodbox - thegoodbox.com.au  
provides essential resources for people experiencing homelessness.  

Settlement services international - ssi.org.au  
provides services for humanitarian settlement, accommodation, asylum seekers, and more. 

Foodbank - foodbank.org.au  
australia's largest hunger relief charity, linking surplus food to people in need.  

Australian red cross - redcross.org.au/services  
services and programs helping people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

The big issue - thebigissue.org.au  
creates job opportunities for homeless, marginalised, and disadvantaged people.  

Orange sky - give.orangesky.org.au  
provides mobile laundry and shower services to support homeless individuals.  

Kids under cover - kuc.org.au  
works to prevent youth homelessness and keep families together by providing accommodation and support.  

Pets in the park - petsinthepark.org.au  
offers free veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness. 

New South Wales 

link2home - 1800 152 152  
statewide homelessness information and referral service.  

NSW domestic violence helpline - 1800 656 463  
provides counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic violence.  
 
Dignity - dignity.org.au  
empowers people to prevent, respond to, and end their homelessness.  

Detour house - detourhouse.org.au  
provides accommodation and care to women and girls in sydney.  

Bonnie support services - bonnie.org.au  
supports women and children escaping domestic violence or homelessness.  

The wayside chapel - waysidechapel.org.au  
offers support and basic services to people experiencing homelessness in kings cross, sydney.  

Asylum seekers centre - asylumseekerscentre.org.au  
offers support and practical assistance to people seeking asylum. 

Queensland 

Homeless Hotline - qld.gov.au/housing/emergency-temporary-accommodation/homeless-persons-information-qld  
phone information and referral service for people experiencing homelessness.  
Phone - 1800 47 47 53  

DV connect - dvconnect.org  
supports people facing domestic, family, and sexual violence.  
Phone - 1800 811 811 

Northern Territory  

shelter me - shelterme.org.au  
directory of homeless services for people in the NT. 

Victoria 

Crisis accommodation - housing.vic.gov.au/crisis-emergency-accommodation support for those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or escaping family violence.  
Phone - 1800 825 955  
 
Safe steps family violence response centre - safesteps.org.au  
provides support for anyone experiencing or afraid of family violence in victoria.  
Phone - 1800 015 188 

South Australia 

homelessness connect - homelessconnectsa.org  
statewide telephone service for those experiencing homelessness.  
Phone - 1800 003 308  
 
women’s safety services SA - womenssafetyservices.com.au  
supports women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.  
Phone - 1800 800 098 

Western Australia 

Entrypoint perth - entrypointperth.com.au  
assessment and referral service for those at risk of homelessness.  
Phone - 6496 0001 or 1800 124 684  

Women’s domestic violence helpline - (08) 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339  
provides support for women experiencing family and domestic violence. 

Tasmania 

family violence counselling and support service (FVCSS) - 1800 608 122  
provides support for people experiencing domestic and family violence. 

Australian Capital Territory  

onelink - onelink.Org.Au  
provides information and connections to support services in the ACT.  
Phone - 1800 176 468  
 
ACT community directory mycommunitydirectory.Com.Au/australian_capital_territory/canberra  
helps find services, community organisations, and support groups in canberra.  
Phone - (02) 6248 7988 

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