Every Monday, I look half decent again!

August 9, 2024

You can tell it’s Monday at Mary Mac’s Place by looking at the queue for the shower. “Weekends are long because everyone is hanging out for Mary Mac’s to open again,” Steve says, who has been a companion at Mary Mac’s for 20 years. “We all look forward to Monday so we can shower, shave and look half decent again.”

Steve recalls the many hot showers he’s had at Mary Mac’s during winter months on the streets. “I tell you, those showers here at Mary Mac’s are like medicine. I’m 68 and my body is getting stiffer, so the showers are the best part of the week.”

When Steve’s wife of 25 years died suddenly in December, Mary Mac’s was the first place he came. “Sally took me out the back and we had a good chat. She helped me get all the emotions out. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that my girl’s gone. Mary Mac’s isn’t just about the food. It’s everything. They got me through my grief and put me on the right road again.”

After his wife died, Steve found himself homeless again. “The hardest thing about being homeless is the loneliness,” Steve says. “The other word that comes to mind is desolation.” Steve describes himself as one of the lucky ones because he had a van to sleep in. “I’d park somewhere different every night. Closing time at the pub was the worst time of day. I had no curtains and I never felt safe. I’m lucky nothing too serious ever happened to me.”

Steve says that there is no joy in being homeless, but he knew he could always come to Mary Mac’s to find it. “I come here, and everyone knows my name. It’s the best feeling to be somewhere that everyone knows you,” Steve says. “I’ll never stop needing this place, especially now my wife is gone.”

Three weeks ago, Steve was supported to move into an affordable, private rental. “I share the place with a person who has her own challenges and it’s not always perfect, but I feel like I have half a life again,” Steve says. “Mary Mac’s give me supplies to take home, so that gets us both by.”

Steve looks forward to having his grandkids over someday soon. “When you’re homeless, there’s nowhere you can have your family come and that’s hard. They all live far away, and it was tough not having a home for them to come.”

Steve looks at the group of companions chatting in the distance. “God bless Mary Mac’s. I hope this place keeps going for another 100 years. Look at all these people they’ve helped. Thousands I reckon.”

When asked what he would say anyone who is experiencing homelessness, Steve says, “Get yourself to Mary Mac’s now. There are people who can help you, you can grab a hot meal, some emergency supplies, have a shower, shave, and do your washing. It’s just like home.”

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit our website here.