I didn’t realise I was homeless

August 6, 2024

“I remember the day that someone told me I was homeless,” says David who is a grateful recipient of support from CatholicCare’s Together Home Program and Dom’s Place. For David, he slipped into homelessness suddenly after a falling out with housemates. “My mental health spiralled, and I found myself moving between friends’ houses, short-term accommodation and the mental health ward at hospital. One day someone referred to me as homeless and the word just hit me.”

“There was one month when I went to hospital ten times,” David says. “When I wasn’t in hospital, I would find myself in short-term accommodation with bank robbers and murderers. My own criminal record for drug related offences meant that I was placed with other people who had criminal histories.” David exhibits nothing but compassion and kindness towards the people whose paths he crossed, but he admits that living in these situations was stressful and unpredictable.

“For me, homelessness came with a sense of instability and loss,” David says. David also describes a deep grief that would swallow him when he thought about the life he had and the life he hoped for. “It’s not like that for everyone,” David says. “There is a guy here in Hornsby who lives in a tent, and that is how he wants to live. But for me, living with bipolar means I need stability. I didn’t want to be homeless, and the Together Home Program helped me get out of it.”

David vividly remembers the day he received the number for CatholicCare. I called and someone came to visit and helped me get the proper help I needed at Macquarie Hospital where I stayed for nine months.”

When David was ready to leave hospital, he was supported through the Together Home Program to secure a private rental. “It happened very quickly,” says David. “If it wasn’t for CatholicCare I would have needed to stay in hospital until public housing became available, which would have taken a long time.”

David attends CatholicCare’s homelessness hub, Dom’s Place in Hornsby twice a week, and the support he receives there has seen him thrive. “I’ve made friends with people who have been through similar and who know the challenges of housing, mental health and drugs,” David says. “I’ve always felt so welcomed and at home here.”

David says that he has benefited greatly from group therapy at Dom’s Place. “I completed a group called Caber-rananga, which is a Gaimaragal word that means resting the mind. Our group leader is amazing, and he has helped me think deeply about what it means to be well. I’ve also received help with life skills and conflict management.”

When David visits Dom’s Place he finds meaning and enjoyment in restoring old bikes that go to children in need. “We recently restored an old go-kart that has gone to a young boy with autism,” David says. “It’s a good feeling to be giving back to the community.”

David has good and bad days, but secure housing has given him the headspace to start imagining his future. “I recently got my barista certificate,” David says. “I am a big fan of coffee so I initially did it for fun, but one day I can see myself working as a barista.”

Life would look vastly different for David, if not for the support of CatholicCare’s Together Home Program and Dom’s Place. “This place saves lives,” David says as he looks around. Now that he has a safe place to call home, David is committed to making his life a meaningful one.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit our website for more information on the supports we offer.