Mary is one of many South Australians the SA Housing Trust has supported to transition out of homelessness.

More than 20 years ago, Mary arrived in South Australia to build a new life. She completed English studies, secured a good job, and saved enough to buy her own home.

When that purchase fell through, her situation quickly changed. Without stable housing, Mary lost everything and became homeless.

One of the biggest challenges, Mary says, was the unexpected cost of being homeless.

‘When you’re homeless, you have to spend money every day. Everything costs money - even just being able to wash your clothes,’ she says.

After nearly a year of sleeping in her car, support services referred Mary to our Holbrooks Homelessness Program. The Trust provided short-term housing and practical support to help her get back on her feet.

She describes the change as immediate.

‘I was happy, I became a positive person again,’ she says.

‘The program staff are my angels; they saved my life.’

Since completing the three-month program, Mary has moved into secure, long-term housing. She also has a job as a support worker, using her experience to help others facing similar challenges.

‘I’m safe. I have a place to live. I’m happy and stable now,’ she says.

Our specialised homelessness programs are available through referrals from support services across metropolitan areas. People do not need to apply for public housing to access this support.