For the last three years, Julie has been thriving in permanent housing, after years of chronic homelessness. This is her experience of rough sleeping and what she’s up to now.
Julie’s experience of rough sleeping
Living on the streets in Melbourne’s CBD is dangerous, as Julie well knows. She’s been in and out of hospital, once after a serious assault, another time for a fracture in her arm.
Julie wants people to know that homelessness is a very dangerous and lonely experience. There are constant challenges — you’re tired, hungry, cold, hot. But the biggest issue is how dangerous it is and the loneliness.
“It’s very scary in every possible way. It’s not just about somebody hurting you…the whole experience is scary”.
Launch Housing’s support and care coordination for Julie even after finding a home
Julie has had a permanent home for three years now. Julie thanks her Launch Housing case workers and care coordinators for the support to sustain her tenancy. They have been there for her, made sure she went to all her appointments and helped her with everyday tasks like grocery shopping.
It’s not just housing supports that made a difference for Julie. Launch Housing connected Julie to AOD services, and Julie is working hard on her sobriety journey. And when Julie had legal issues arise, Launch Housing connected her with Legal Aid.
Julie says her support workers had at times been her “internal strength” when she struggled to find hers.
“Everyone has just been absolutely amazing”, Julie says.
What’s next for Julie?
Julie loves keeping her home clean and tidy and feels a great sense of joy looking after her home and garden. She also volunteers at a local nursery, which keeps her very busy. Digging, weeding, pushing wheelbarrows — happy to be busy at all times.
“This has given me motivation again, to get my life on track, to get healthy again, and to get my life sorted”.
Family is also important to Julie, who loves to spend time with her daughter and grandson.
“My life now is really good”.
