When my relationship ended earlier this year, my 16-year-old daughter KJ and I suddenly found ourselves homeless. The shock of losing everything was overwhelming. We were separated, couch-surfing, with no place to call home.
In this time of chaos, I found a beacon of hope in Fiona Murray, my case manager at Open Arms. Fiona was indeed our guardian angel, working tirelessly with different support networks including Veteran Housing Australia, to help us find stability. While securing crisis accommodation had the potential to be disruptive to KJ’s schooling, Veteran Housing Australia stepped in providing temporary housing in Hawthorn. It was a lifeline in our darkest moment.
I will never forget Declan’s compassion and generosity. He welcomed us with groceries and reassured me that the accommodation was ours for as long as we needed it. I could finally breathe for the first time in weeks, knowing we had a safe place – even if was temporary.
But it wasn’t just a roof – it was a turning point. Having that space allowed me to continue searching for a permanent home. Eventually, persistence paid off and we secured a rental in Lang Lang, close to KJ’s school and her best friend.
Since moving into our own place, our life has transformed. I now experience the simple joys of talking with KJ, laughing together, and rebuilding our bond – moments I feared we’d lost in the turmoil. None of this would have been possible without Veteran Housing Australia and the generosity they extended to us.
To any veteran who feels lost or afraid to ask for help, I want you to know that it’s okay to lean on others. People like Declan and organisations like Veteran Housing Australiagenuinely understand, and they’re here to lift us up when we need it most.
Thanks to the support of Veteran Housing Australia, I can proudly say today that I am once again the captain of my own ship.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Vince
“After a lifetime of grappling with shame, guilt, and emotional avoidance, everything came to a breaking point last year.”