Listen to voices of Homelessness
Content Warning: These recordings contain discussions relating to suicide, alcohol and other drug use, homelessness, and other potentially distressing topics. Please consider your wellbeing before listening.
If this content raises any concerns or you require support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for 24-hour crisis support.
Glen’s Story
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and Glen’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change. In this interview, he shares his experience of homelessness and depression, the importance of seeking help, and the role that support services and trusted mates played in helping him rebuild his life. We thank Glen for sharing his story to raise awareness and inspire others to reach out if they are struggling.
Andrew’s Story
Andrew’s story shows the real impact mental health can have on housing instability. In his interview, Andrew discusses how a change in efficacy of his Bipolar medication ultimately led to him being kicked out of his share-house to sleeping in his car with his dog. He has agreed to share his story in the hope that it can impact those experiencing similar circumstances.
Annabel’s Story
Annabel’s Journey has been of strength, courage and hope.
After experiencing an unstable childhood, she has spent years facing challenges of long-term homelessness while also navigating life as a transgender woman and the discrimination, isolation and barriers that come with that.
In this interview Annabel shares her story – offering powerful insight into the realities of homelessness, the importance of acceptance and the hope that can grow when people are given the necessary support.
Emma’s Story
This is Emma’s journey so far, one so young who has been through so much. Poor mental health and substance use are a common theme throughout Emma’s life so far, as she continues to fight against the pull of substances and the constant roller coaster that is mental health. Emma’s journey shows the importance of having the right supports in place to help overcome challenges and the importance of services all working together to support an individual to succeed.
Thank you, Emma, for your bravery in sharing your journey and your personal journal entry, in the hopes that you can reach out to others experiencing similar circumstances.
Dylan’s Story
Dylans story is of resilience, survival, and hope.
Dylan has experienced long term homelessness and the devastating impacts of relationship breakdown and addiction.
In this interview, Dylan shares his experiences with honesty and courage – offering deep understanding into the realities of homelessness, staying in a shelter, recovery, and the road towards a brighter future.
Bek’s Story
This is Bek’s journey so far, one which has not been without heartache and challenges but through all of this, Bek continues to want to help others by raising awareness around significant issues such as domestic violence and homelessness. In the words of Bek, “Life is a funny thing you think you have got it sorted but things can change very quickly and before you know it you’re in a situation you could never believe you could be in.”
Emil’s Story
Emil experienced homeless at a very young aged, and was exposed to family violence, cruel punishments, and let down by many systems. But through these challenges Emil has continued to pick himself back up showing determination, grit, and strength that most of us can only dream of having.
As Emil now starts a new housing journey he looks forward to settling down in his own property, continuing to work on his health, and eventually enjoying the companionship of a dog.
Allison’s Story
Allison’s journey is one which has seen her move houses over 50 times in her life and struggle to find a place to call home. Allison has gone from being very academic and studying, having a career as a nurse, to being affected by mental health and having her whole life change.
Please listen to Allison talk about the impacts of mental health including the unspoken condition of the impacts of hoarding.