Automatic language translation
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Garry: I was going through a rough time. Close to five years living on the streets. I used to get up before people went to work at four o’clock in the morning.
I’d put all my stuff in a trolley and push it to where I could go to for the day. You have to find shelter where you’re going to feel comfortable, where you probably won’t get disturbed. You probably sleep with one eye open. Anything can happen. I’ve experienced getting bashed, I have experience of being robbed. It was scary as hell.
I wasn’t getting anywhere in life. I just wanted to hide from the world, I didn’t want anyone to know who I was. I couldn’t live like that anymore.
Ashley: Neami predominantly works in mental health and the Macarthur Accommodation Access program is a program that works with people who are homelessness, or becoming homeless. From what I find, homelessness and mental illness do coincide.
Garry: My illness, I’m still trying to work it out. I thought I might have been okay living on the streets. It got worse. I really needed help and I’m so grateful today that they were there to understand my needs.
Ashley: We got Garry into the crisis accommodation. Then he moved over to transitional properties which was enough time for Garry to stabilise and to get everything sorted and live independently in the private rental.
Garry: I found this house through Neami. I’m happy I have a roof over my head, I can do my own thing. I’ve got my freedom. I can start again. I’m not looking over my shoulders.
Ashley: Having a house has changed Garry’s life because going through the journey he’s also had an opportunity to address his mental health and some of these other issues that Garry was having in order to sustain the tenancy that he’s at now.
Garry: I’ve met a good therapist. I had so many issues going on through my head, so many things that I have to get off my chest. Today I’ve got to think more positive than ever. I have three beautiful step-children out there and I haven’t seen them for a long time. So when I get better I will need to bring my family back.
Ashley: When I met Garry he was probably a lot more timid. But seeing Garry now he is very open and relaxed, a long way that he came from before. Being a part of that journey for me is just magic.
Garry: My future is a long way ahead. I still have a lot to learn. I’m grateful that I’ve got to move on and try to start again. I do help those that are still doing it hard out there and that’s what helps me to give back to the community.
I tell other people, don’t hide yourself. Go out and see what’s out there. It’s a big world out there, and you’d be surprised, how help can just come along.
02 May 2023