Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a national day to raise awareness for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Spending time with Hailey, 20, profoundly underscores the importance of this day.
We meet her on the eve of signing the lease for her own rental property; Hailey is buoyed with quiet confidence and enthusiasm for this next chapter. But the road to this point has not been easy.
At the end of last year, Hailey found herself homeless and sleeping rough. Finding a corner of a park to sleep in or sleeping in her car was her harsh reality as she sought assistance. Following a short stay in a motel, she soon was invited to join inCommunity Connect‘s youth crisis accommodation program.
“I was excited and really grateful. I accepted the offer from inCommunity Connect straight away. I thought the program’s case management would assist me with my housing, which was my only focus then,” Hailey shares.
Entering Hargreaves House with a little more life experience than the younger residents, Hailey found the transition to the accommodation fairly smooth. “I knew how to approach the place. You do chores, and I was on to that. I never had to be reminded.”
With a roof now over her head, Hailey opened up in the case management process.
“It was a positive experience. I was a bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect. How deep was it going to be? But it was inviting and motivating. They wouldn’t push me to a point that was uncomfortable, but they would push me out of my comfort zone.
For example, I’m used to having my own vehicle but by then I was without my car. I was unsure how to navigate the public transport system so they motivated me to start taking small trips. And then a little further out from Ipswich. The process pushed me for the better.”
With her goal of securing a home to call her own and with no rental history, Hailey also commenced working on creating a strong rental ledger at Hargreaves House. She shares,
“Being able to build a rental ledger and seeing it grow was amazing. It’s consistent, which made me feel really good. Each fortnight I pay it all on time.”
With further gentle guidance, Hailey commenced undertaking the Tenancy Skills Institute‘s self-paced online course Skillsets for Successful Tenancies to develop additional practical tenancy knowledge and skills.
“At first, I was unsure about doing the course, but the case managers encouraged me to do it. They ran me through how long it would take and how the certificate would be a great addition to my rental application.
I’m now going into my first home, and the information is all still fresh in my head. There are links that I have saved in my notes on my phone that will help me in the future with my tenancies.
More than that, doing the course was another step in helping me to come out of my shell. Opening my eyes to other opportunities that I can have in my life. I don’t have to be shy or afraid,” Hailey adds.
Reflecting on the months she has spent in the inCommunity Connect program, Hailey shares,
“If I were to sum it up in one word, it would be motivating. It just encourages you to do better things and grow as a person in different ways. You could be going through a lot, but it is a place to be safe, accepted, and where you are wanted. The case managers are beautiful and lovely. Having someone supportive there for you. It really boosts your confidence and happiness.”
Hailey’s calm and consistent approach belies the disruptive uncertainty she has experienced in life, especially during her time sleeping rough. But it is this approach that she has tapped into to navigate a successful pathway to stable housing, and it is how she intends to approach having her new home.
“I’m going to take it one step at a time. I’ve never had a rental before, and I’m excited. It’s a new chapter – my first home, my first safe space. I’m going to focus on decorating the place and making it feel homely. Hang photos of my family and friends. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted,”
Hailey shares.
With much to do ahead of her, Hailey is mindful of other young people experiencing homelessness and for them she shares,
“There is no shame in asking for help. It won’t affect your character in any way. I felt like I didn’t want to ask for help, that I might be intruding. But there is no shame in it. Your struggle is real. I wouldn’t have got this far without going through this program. They mentor and guide you; it’s worth it!”
With her mind now clear of the worry of where to sleep at night, Hailey can now turn her mind to what most peers her age think about. Whether seeking to study or apply for a job and ultimately start working towards her future. And first on Hailey’s list is getting a car again.
“I’ve already started saving! The case managers were proud of me for doing this. It will be my pride and joy. There is nothing more calming than driving,” Hailey shares – a fitting first goal for her next chapter.
Congratulations Hailey and thank you for sharing your story today, highlighting why it is important today and every day that youth homelessness matters.
#YHMD2025
