James's Story

Alienated, destitute, and alone, James’ experience with homelessness was not unlike the 21,000+ Queenslanders who find themselves without a place to call home each night.

“When my life collapsed and I ended up on the streets, I assumed there was no help out there for me – that I was on my own.”

A referral to Vinnies Men’s Homeless Hostel in South Brisbane didn’t just give James a place to sleep – it helped him realise he did not have to walk his journey alone.

“The team there were so supportive and understanding – they helped me get serious about breaking my addiction,” he said.

When he checked out of the Hostel, James checked into rehab and began the long and difficult process of turning his life around.

“Life still has its ups and downs – but since my time at the Hostel, I’ve managed to find secure accommodation and have really grown as a person.

“I’m in a much better place – but I don’t know if I would be here without the help of Vinnies.”

As Queenslanders faced another year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a severe housing crisis spread across the state increasing rates of homelessness, it can be easy to wonder how much difference one organisation like St Vincent de Paul Queensland can really make.

But for people like James, that difference can mean the world.