Lynne is walking into a bright new future
After moving to Perth (WA) for essential brain surgery and ongoing specialist treatment, Lynne was stunned to find herself facing homelessness. She had arrived in Perth in the middle of a severe rental crisis and her savings soon drained away on expensive temporary accommodation. This Homelessness Week (5-11 August 2024) Lynne, who now works in disability services, talks about the support she received from The Salvation Army, the walking/running group she connected to through her time with the Salvos, and her love of volunteering to help others.
Lynne shares:
Not long after I had moved to Carnarvon, WA, COVID-19 hit. During that time, I also got a phone call to say I was finally eligible to have the deep brain stimulation operation I’d so badly needed.
I have cervical dystonia. It’s very painful and twists my head and neck badly to the side, and also causes head tremors. I was diagnosed in my 40s and it is hereditary from my mum’s side.
The challenge was that I needed to relocate to Perth for the operation and ongoing care. It’s a process that needs fine tuning and recharging and there are a lot of ongoing medical visits.
Savings drained on accommodation
Before the move, I’d had a brief look at rentals online and it didn’t seem to be a problem, but as the move got closer, I realised just how bad the housing crisis actually was. There were so many people competing for every rental, and I became really anxious and depressed.
I had what I thought were really strong savings, but no job and no permanent place to stay. I started living out of hotels, and my money went down very, very quickly.
Eventually, a friend, who had a house that was soon to be rented out, let me stay until I’d had the operation and some recovery time. It was a big house and I was able to stay and pay half the normal rent, but I had a deadline.
Desperately needed help with homelessness and housing
Someone told me to contact The Beacon [Salvation Army homelessness service]. They were great, but they were unsure when a vacancy would come up.
It was getting very close to the time I had to find somewhere else to live. It was only a couple of days before time ran out that I got a call from The Beacon. I pretty much broke down in tears — I was so grateful.
I just couldn’t believe I’d come so close to the point of having nowhere to live. I still had such a long way to go in my recovery after the operation too.
If your housing situation feels insecure or unsafe, The Salvation Army may be able to help you. Our homelessness support services are inclusive, welcoming and flexible.
When I got to The Beacon, they showed me around, and it was amazing.
It honestly saved me! I have no idea what would have happened if it wasn’t for that call from The Beacon. Sometimes I do think about it and I still get quite upset. I would have been on the street for sure.
When I arrived, I felt so welcomed. All of the caseworkers were amazing and they helped me fill in the paperwork for priority community housing. I couldn’t believe how much support they gave me. They eventually helped to get me housing — a little studio very close to public transport.
Because of my condition, I’m not allowed to drive so I needed, and still need, to be able to access the hospital and doctors by public transport.
Finding a passion for fitness and care of others
The Salvos also connected me with [the not-for-profit group] ‘On My Feet’. It was perfect as I loved walking. Every Tuesday morning at 7am, I would head out and before I knew it, I was going to training, then doing Park Runs and other events. I thrived on the program.
As soon as I started walking with a group, I loved it and I loved how [at first] it got me through the dreadful feeling of "how did I end up homeless". It also helped me realise I love volunteering to help others.
Although I never imagined myself as a runner, On My Feet also organised for 12 of us to go to Melbourne and I did a half marathon. Since then, I haven’t done as much running, but I’m still paying it forward by taking groups out walking twice a week. One of those is a group from The Beacon.
I love supporting the walkers, who have many struggles with homelessness. We chat and have coffee together. I have even encouraged a few to become runners, and they now run marathons.
I’ve continued volunteering with The Salvation Army. As well as volunteering with The Beacon, I have been involved with the Street Outreach Service, and I include The Salvation Army in some of the training work I do around disability support.
Onwards and upwards into the future
Because I have been working again, I have been able to save a bit of money, so I’m going to Queensland soon to see my family and I’m also going to Cambodia for a month with my best friend and walking buddy Paula. I’m making the most of life and am so grateful for what I have.
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I love staying connected to The Beacon. Thank God for the Salvos, otherwise I may not have found a new way of life. I enjoy the sense of community, and also paying it forward. I’m very, very grateful!
We are working to end homelessness for good!