My Story

Sarah
Family Homelessness

For years Sarah found herself trapped in a violent relationship. Scared and helpless, she turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. Sarah was down and out, but there was a glimmer of hope left in her life – her children. She refused to let them go through this kind of upbringing. So one day, she got up in the middle of the night and drove away from everything. But Sarah was homeless, forcing her to seek refuge in her car. She barely had enough money to provide for her kids, let alone herself. That’s when she found the strength to reach out to an old acquaintance who put her in touch with Vinnies. Shortly after, her life began to change. Vinnies helped find Sarah a home, along with food, clothes and school supplies for her children. Emotionally, we’ve supported her every step of the way. Vinnies have helped Sarah break out of the abuse cycle, whilst transforming her into an ambitious mother, who is currently studying at university and volunteering at her son’s school. Even her children can sense her newfound happiness.

In fact, 36% of people who access homelessness services have experienced domestic and family violence. “There was so much violence. It got to the point where I felt like I would die if I stayed.”