Even though I felt down, the help I was given was brilliant

My name is Joan and I’d like to tell you my story.

I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the kindness of good souls like Vinnies, who helped turn my life around for the better.

I never thought I’d end up homeless and on the street in my 70s. Now I know, if it could happen to me, it could happen to any older woman.

After a happy 50-year marriage, I lost my husband, then I lost my family and my home. I was heartbroken.

Before his death, I had to care for my husband because he couldn’t feed himself. He couldn’t move. He was incontinent and he could barely speak.

Somehow, at some point while my husband was sick, my eldest daughter had managed to get the Will changed so that she got everything from my darling husband when we lost him, and I got nothing.

The love of my life had died, and I was homeless.

I did not know that my daughter had changed the house into her name. Her exact words were, “This is my home now and you’re not welcome here.”

That same daughter – who I had reared, loved and raised – then drove me into town and just left me on the main street. I saw a sign that said, “Housing.” I went in there to try and get some help; I’d never been to anything like that in my life. I didn’t even know what crisis accommodation was.

There, I met the first of many kind souls who turned my life around.

A kind man got me into a motel for a week. It was the best thing. Then, they found me a place in Vinnies crisis accommodation where I met Vinnies team members Jess and Maria.

I’d lost my husband, I’d lost my home, I’d lost my family. I mean, I had nothing to live for. I didn’t even have a pension. Even though I felt down, the help I’d been given was brilliant.

Without Jess and Maria, I don’t know where I would have been.

First stop, Maria organised for me to go to Centrelink to sort out my finances. Then Jess helped me organise a new home. Today, I’ve got this most beautiful home I never thought I’d have again.

Even though I’m no longer in the crisis accommodation, Jess and Maria still do my shopping, or take me to the hospital, or take me to an appointment. They’re really kind and committed to what they’re doing.

And Vinnies, I mean, how can you speak highly enough? If it wasn’t for their help with crisis accommodation, where would all those people be today?

I wouldn’t be here today without them.

The thing is, I did not know that Vinnies and the crisis accommodation existed. Unfortunately, there are a lot more people my age that are finding themselves homeless so it's wonderful to know these services exist to help people who find themselves in situations such as mine.

Thank you for helping me Vinnies.

Joan