Going Beyond

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Read Danielle’s Story

Danielle became homeless and was referred to SAHSSI when she relinquished her social housing property with Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing. She had previously endured a long history of domestic violence resulting in the incarceration of her long-term ex-partner, so upon being advised of his release, she had immediate concerns for the safety of herself and her children. As a violent offender, Danielle’s ex-partner was known for breaching ADVO conditions, knew where she lived, and was likely to threaten the safety of the family. Danielle and the children stayed with her mother on a temporary basis while SAHSSI supported her to apply for tenancy reinstatement with DCJ Housing.

This was in a secure building, but still not ideal as the ex-partner was aware of this address and had already made threats against Danielle. Both SAHSSI and DCJ worked swiftly to rehouse Danielle in northern Illawarra, however this alone would not be enough to keep Danielle and the children safe. Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLOs) were well aware of Danielle’s case, and also expressed concerns for her safety. A coordinated effort from both government and non-government services would be required to maximise the safety of this family. Safely relocating Danielle, and ensuring she had what was necessary to remain safe, was a massive undertaking involving services including SAHSSI, NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers, NSW Police Southern Region Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team, Victims Services, Corrective Services.

Staying Home Leaving Violence, and Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services. Through these various services, Danielle was provided with a range of support to facilitate her move and improve her safety and wellbeing, including:

Removalist costs
Personal duress alarms
Security cameras
Domestic violence counselling
Extension of Apprehended Domestic Violence orders for seven years
Court support
Recognition payment from Victims Support Danielle’s path to recovery may take years, but she is feeling safe in her new home and is looking positively towards the future.

Read Tegan’s Story

Tegan became at risk of homelessness when her relationship broke down due to domestic violence. During the relationship Tegan had endured emotional, psychological and financial abuse, which had included her partner not paying his share of the rent on the property they leased together. Shortly after her partner left, Tegan was shocked to receive a termination notice for rent arrears. She was four weeks behind in her rent. Tegan referred herself and her two children to SAHSSI, thinking she would need to give up her tenancy as she had no way of clearing such high rent arrears. Instead, SAHSSI acted quickly to support Tegan to work with her real estate to sustain her current tenancy. The agent recognised that, prior to the domestic violence, Tegan’s tenancy had been a good one.

With SAHSSI’s support, Tegan was assessed as eligible for assistance from Department of Communities and Justice Housing. Not only did they agree to clear her arrears, but they also approved her for the Start Safely rental subsidy to help her maintain her rent payments whilst she got back on top of her finances. Tegan’s real estate was happy with this arrangement and agreed to remove her ex-partner from the lease and re-sign for a further twelve months. Within a few short weeks of working with SAHSSI, Tegan’s tenancy was once again secure. She was grateful for the prospect of not having to relocate and began to look forward to moving forward with her life. SAHSSI was also able to support Tegan to access domestic violence counselling for herself and her children.

Read Ian’s Story

Ian, 17 years old

Ian was referred to the Relink Program from the Wollongong Youth Crisis Refuge and RAFT the Family Support service for assistance with Ian’s Language, Literacy, and Numeracy. Ian was an early school leaver who previously had poor school attendance. Ian’s mother suffers from serve mental health issues and this has impacted Ian’s development who also has an Intellectual disability.

Crisis and RAFT workers had stated to EET Staff that Ian has low literacy and struggles to read and write basic forms. He requires one on one assistance and cannot complete documentation himself. EET staff assessed Ian’s LLN levels through activities and worksheets for year 1 and had to scale it back in the second appointment to a kindergarten level.

Staff worked with Ian on his phonics, handwriting and numeracy skills. Ian completed homework and engaged in other group and programs focusing on self-esteem and confidence and overall self-development. This continued until Ian’s NDIS was approved, and he was connected to the SEE Program through Max Employment who specialise in LLN learning.

Through the NDIS Ian was able to move into long term accommodation with Disability support workers.

Read Emily’s Story

Emily, 15 years old

Emily was referred to EET (educational, employment training) through a HYAP co-worker, She has experienced homelessness was couch surfing and running away from home for the past 2 years due to family breakdown and mental health issues.

At the time of referral Emily was 14 years old and was enrolled at Warilla High School but had not attended for over 1 year.

Emily found it hard to engage with various staff members in the past but ended up trusting EET staff and a positive rapport was established.

EET staff set up a meeting with Warilla High School where it was discussed the various supports the school was happy to put in place- they believed that Warilla High was the best option for her and offered a partial attendance plan and also to change her class as Emily disclosed a lot of peer bullying had taken place. Emily attended Warilla High for one day was assaulted.

Emily and her Mother engaged in the SYFS RAGE program, Emily attended once then became disrespectful towards staff and decided not to continue contact- her Mother continued to accept the support.

Emily attended the local alternative education provider with EET staff and decided that The Wollongong Flexible Learning Centre is where she would like to continue her education, her Mother agreed with this choice and with staff support Emily was enrolled in Flexi.

Emily attended The Wollongong flexible learning Centre every day for a full term- despite moving between her Mothers and Fathers homes and staying with friends during this time.

EET staff obtained a laptop for Emily which she now uses for online study during Covid 19 restrictions, Emily also attended EET job readiness programs and is keenly seeking part time or casual employment to coincide with her studies.

From zero engagement in education to now full-time study and job seeking, Emily has shown commitment and dedication to her studies and future goals. She has continually engaged with her supports in EET.

Read Helen’s Story

When Helen was referred to SAHSSI she had been homeless and living rough for more than ten years. Drug use, illegal activities leading to incarceration, and poor lifestyle choices had all contributed to Helen’s living situation. After her incarceration period, Helen spent two years in residential rehabilitation and drug treatment programs. Upon release, the only accommodation Helen could secure was boarding or guest house style accommodation. Helen advised that she struggled in this shared setting, and that the anti-social behaviours of some made her feel unsafe, and at risk of relapse. Helen returned to sleeping rough, advising that train stations were her preferred place as they were well lit, and had CCTV cameras which made her feel safe.

Helen hit a turning point in her life when she turned 50, recognising that this way of life was detrimental to both her health and her recovery from addiction. Once engaged with SAHSSI, Helen agreed to try shared accommodation again, this time in one of our crisis accommodation facilities. This environment was safe, drug and alcohol free, and offered the support of specialist case managers.

Helen spent four months in our accommodation, during which time her SAHSSI case manager supported her to access the Together Home Program, which is delivered by DCJ Housing in partnership with community housing providers. The program is designed to transition rough sleepers into long term stable housing, whilst promoting personal recovery and social inclusion. Helen was successful in receiving an offer of accommodation with our local community housing provider, Housing Trust, and has now been in her new property for around six months. Not only has she been given access to safe housing, but as part of the Together Home Program, Helen now has access to support to help her sustain her tenancy, enhance her living skills, address financial issues, connect with local community, access counselling, and engage in education and training. Helen is enjoying reconnecting with community life in a positive way and looks forward to learning new skills with a view to gaining future employment.

Going Beyond - Beyond Travel

Let’s keep in touch

Emma

SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION AND HOMELESSNESS SERVICES SHOALHAVEN ILLAWARRA - SAHSSI

Read Danielle’s Story

Read Tegan’s Story

SOUTHERN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICE - SYFS

Read Ian’s Story

Read Emily’s Story

Read Helen’s Story

Read Lena’s Story

Let’s keep in touch

Going Beyond

Social Impact

OUR MISSION

Enriching lives through travel

Emma

SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION AND HOMELESSNESS SERVICES SHOALHAVEN ILLAWARRA - SAHSSI

Read Danielle’s Story

Read Tegan’s Story

SOUTHERN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICE - SYFS

Read Ian’s Story

Read Emily’s Story

Read Helen’s Story

Read Lena’s Story