Jarrah’s Journey: From Homelessness to Hope.

Imagine being a young person with nowhere to call home for five long years, constantly wondering where you'll sleep the night. A lifestyle of constant upheaval, bouncing from place to place, all because of something entirely outside of your control - family violence.

This was the reality for a young Indigenous man, Jarrah, whose life became a series of temporary refuges, crisis shelters, parks and tents. It's a story of survival against the odds.

Our team Leader, Tim, at New Hope House, tells his story:-

A Chance Meeting at New Hope House

This young man has done a couple of stays with us in the past, and one day, fate brought him back to New Hope House to collect his belongings. At that moment, I saw an opportunity and invited him to return, offering to help sort out his housing. It was a chance, perhaps his last, to turn his life around.

A Miracle of Rapid Housing

Miraculously, we secured housing for him almost immediately. When he first saw his new home, he was stunned by the simple luxury of having his own toilet and shower. I haven't had my own toilet and shower for five years," he said, a reminder of the essential human dignities he'd been denied.

Earning Respect and Trust

During his time with us, he affectionately called me his auntie. I suggested "uncle" might be more fitting, given my gender, but Jarrah wisely replied, “You gotta earn respect to be called an uncle. "It wasn’t until the day he moved out, when he thanked me as "Uncle Tim," that I realised we'd truly earned his trust. It's taken 2 1/2 years for him to really realise that we did care for him and his culture, as we do for everyone who comes into New Hope House, and we did all we could to give him the support and care he deserved.

Breaking the Cycle of Neglect

Our swift intervention during his third stay was a stark contrast to the neglect he had faced elsewhere. His gratitude was overwhelming, often expressed in heartfelt thanks. A recent text message encapsulated his appreciation for our support and generosity in helping him transition from a tent to a stable home. “I finally have a place to hang my flag” it read. Being Indigenous, this home gave him a true sense of connection to place.

Improving Health and Reducing Harm

Life on the streets had ravaged his health, exacerbated by heavy drinking and frequent hospital visits. However, the stability of New Hope House brought a noticeable reduction in his drinking. The change in his environment had a profound effect on his overall well-being.

Quality of Life at New Hope House

At New Hope House, he found joy in simple pleasures like playing Xbox, using the gym and soaking in the positive atmosphere. These small comforts contributed to a higher quality of life and a sense of normality that had long eluded him.

A Promising Future

With a stable home, this young man's life began to take a positive turn. He even lined up a few jobs, signalling a hopeful future.

His story underscores a powerful truth: providing a stable home can be the first step towards reclaiming a life once thought lost.

In the end, it’s these stories that illuminate the profound impact of stability and support. New Hope House didn’t just offer shelter; it provided a foundation for a new beginning. Now, enjoying a new chapter in his life, he's finally on a path to a hopeful future.

We invite you to write a note of encouragement to someone like Jarrah who’s working hard to improve their future.

Your words can make a real difference in showing that they’re not alone. Please consider writing a short message today – it could truly brighten someone’s path to recovery.

*Name and image changed to protect privacy