New Year’s is often associated with new beginnings, and none more so than for Martin. A young person who arrived at Hargreaves House, inCommunity Connect’s youth crisis accommodation, at the start of the year after a short stint of couch surfing.
Up until this point, Martin’s home life had been marred by volatility, and after being kicked out of home at the start of the year, he was determined to start afresh.
While Martin was sleeping each night from house to house, it was a friend-of-a-friend who recognised that Martin could do with the same help they had once received and suggested he call inCommunity Connect.
Arriving to meet with the case managers for an intake meeting, Martin shares what this was like.
“I literally had nothing to my name. My friend dropped me off here, and I was extremely nervous as it was in a new area I’d never been to before.
The workers were friendly and kind, and they lightened the mood. They asked genuine questions about my situation, life questions. I told them that I had nothing and nowhere to stay. They understood and were accepting of me.
They showed me around, my room, the bathroom, the laundry and the rules were on the wall. It made me realise I was safe. No one was going to get to hurt me, which was really comforting.”
There was a lot to do upon his arrival at Hargreaves House to set himself up for a life of independence.
“My allocated case manager was very motivated and keen on working with me. I was so grateful and super happy to have that kind of support.
I started with my birth certificate, applying for my medicare card and getting my photo ID. Eventually, I started receiving Centrelink payments and applied for my L plates – I still have a lot more hours to go!”
With carving out an employment pathway for himself as his next big goal, Martin reflected on a potential career that had been flagged with him whilst at school.
“Before I left home, there was a careers advisor at school who had pointed me in the direction of a Certificate I in Construction. I applied for it whilst staying here and was successful in the interview. During the course, we’d go to the construction site most of the time, and I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Learning some basic construction techniques as well as cleaning. I completed the course and all of the case managers were very happy and proud of me.”
Getting his paperwork in order and the course completed were only part of the focus during his stay at Hargreaves House. Martin highlights how the on-site case management team supported him in building on the life skills he already had and spending time becoming more grounded in himself, whilst living in a safe and stable environment.
“It was nice to have that support, and they helped refine some of my skills. The workers held you responsible for your stuff, like your dirty plates. It was really comforting, and sometimes a little annoying,” he says with a chuckle. “But that’s just life. And I’m glad that they were helping me.”
Living with five other young people, plus the one on-site case management team on a rotating roster, Martin reflects on the case management team.
“It’s the perfect mix. I’m glad it was they who were there for me. They are very different people, but they all have their strong points. They bring happiness, hold you responsible, have nice chats with you and are always helpful. They are all amazing, no favourites!”
Martin further shares about his chats with case manager Chrissy, a proud Wulli Wulli, Wakka Wakka woman. “We got to talk together about connection to culture, which was great as I’ve been starting to learn more about being Maori, with one of my parents and my ancestors being connected to the North Island. I’ve been drawing and am starting to learn traditional techniques and their meanings which gives me a lot of peace.”
With his construction course now complete and support from a local not-for-profit employment and training service, ETC, to pursue potential apprenticeship opportunities, Martin’s next step during his stay focused on securing more long-term, stable housing. This included taking on a little more study to firm up his knowledge of what to do in a rental property.
“I undertook the Skillsets for Successful Tenancies course by the Tenancy Skills Institute, and it was very helpful. The course takes you through how to communicate with the property manager, making sure there is a record of your emails. And also understanding what to do when something isn’t working properly in your rental property. It was very clear and informative.”
Now, just six months after first arriving at Hargreaves House, Martin has his bags packed and is ready to collect the keys to his new home via the SPin Housing program. A transitional housing program where he will navigate sharehousing with the support of an inCommunity Connect case manager via regular check-ins.
With stable housing and his career prospects looking positive, Martin shares one final reflection.
“When I think back on those days of couch surfing, and I didn’t know where I was going to stay, the only thing I had in my mind was to make the most of life.
So for anyone who might find themselves in that kind of space. Don’t feel crappy. If you need help, ask for it. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, whether it is for housing, education, or anything. Support is there for those who need it.
I’m genuinely so grateful for the time I spent here and am now really happy to be moving and getting into a place of my own. Hanging with friends, gaming and playing sport. And drawing, I’m going to keep doing that. It will be a new sense of freedom.”
