Testimonials

Allison experienced prolonged domestic violence and resorted to self-medication to address her trauma, which resulted in her children being removed from her care. She was referred to and completed The Salvation Army’s Towards Independence program, as well as other courses required by Department of Child Protection. 

Allison had two very successful transitional tenancies — one with Towards Independence and one with Salvation Army Housing, where she continued to received outreach support from Towards Independence. While in our property, Allison was allowed contact visits with her children, which eventually extended to overnight stays. Her hard work was rewarded, and her young children were returned to her care full-time. 

A three-bedroom property became available near the children’s school, and we transferred her to a long-term property within Salvation Army Housing. Allison is determined and with her optimistic attitude, has achieved her goal with the support she has received from The Salvation Army.

Isobell was referred to Salvation Army Housing by a domestic violence crisis service. She had sustained multiple head traumas and knee damage from the violence, resulting in a permanent disability and significant mental health challenges. 

When Isobell came to us, she had custody of her daughter and receiving support services. However, after a triggering event, had a severe decline in her mental health. She was unable to maintain her home or pay rent, leading to the removal of her daughter. Salvation Army Housing reconnected Isobell with domestic violence support services, helping her gradually regain stability. Within 12 months, Isobell was reunited with her daughter. 

Over the past two years, Isobell has maintained her tenancy, kept her rent current, and created a stable and nurturing home environment. She has started studying to build a better future for herself and has given back to the community that continues to support her. 

Zahra arrived in Australia in 2015 and married her Australian husband in 2018. She faced significant emotional and physical abuse but feared leaving him due to potential shame and rejection from her family in her home country. In 2020, her local doctor identified signs of abuse and connected her with the Family Violence Response Centre. Zahra was subsequently placed in a short-term refuge by Salvation Army Housing. With support from staff and community services, she began to rebuild her confidence and engage with support services. 

Zahra later moved to a long-term refuge, where she continued her recovery, completed an English as a Second Language course, and secured employment. Now saving to start her own business, she volunteers her time and skills to support others in her community. Despite losing contact with much of her family due to cultural stigma, she is committed to raising awareness about family violence and plans to use her experiences to help others facing similar challenges. 

At his worst, Joshua weighed 48 kgs, was deeply depressed and in constant pain. Although he’d worked all his life, a serious back injury finally meant he was unable to work at all. Joshua said his outlook turned very black.

Unable to secure affordable housing, Joshua found himself homeless and slept on couches where he could, and at times also slept rough, and started drinking heavily to numb the pain. A Salvos outreach worker found Joshua and connected him a financial counsellor at Moneycare. Joshua was case managed through Salvo Connect and offered crisis accommodation, then placed into community housing with Salvation Army Housing.  

An opening came up in a long-term housing property which he was put forward for. He wrote to thank The Salvation Army team saying he is looking forward for the opportunity to now volunteer himself to help others and wrote: “I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You are all doing a very special job”.