Rodney's story

Rodney has been homeless regularly since his teenage years when he left home. He has a 15 year old son, Ian, and has struggled to hold down full-time work or permanent housing.

“I was on the streets as a young bloke on and off. I slept in trains, landromats, anywhere I could find. You look for anywhere warm. I was on bail when HomeGround found me. I needed a place to live or they wouldn’t let me out. Miranda (HomeGround worker) helped. It was great. I didn’t know anything like this was available.

First they got me into a place in Wantirna. Then the owner sold up. I moved here and have been here for 12 months as well. I’ve been stable for at least two years. I like having a place for Ian. I was worried about him couch-hopping all over the place at friends’ places. I didn’t know where he was.

Miranda’s been there 100%. She helped with getting a roof, with furniture, helped with my court stuff, which is over now. I went through a little bit of depression so just having someone to talk to was good, too. I saw a counsellor for a while, but don’t need to now.

She helped me get on the public housing waiting list for priority applications and on the Yarra Junction Housing Group list as well. That gives me more options. Hopefully something will come up quick, but we’re pretty comfortable here.

I got my scaffolding ticket and I’d like to go back to working construction. I’m getting my license back. I’d like to seek out a new relationship some time, but there’s no use when you’ve still got your own stuff to sort out. I’m looking for part-time work now.

I’d probably be dead if it wasn’t for getting a home. I was pretty much at that stage where I’d had enough. Being scattered, moving with the wind. But being stable, having a place to live, it gives you focus, feels like you belong somewhere. I had to work hard to get here.”

HomeGround helped Rodney find permanent, secure housing for himself and his son, and continues to support his efforts to reconnect with the community and return to the workforce.