“I want my own roof over my head. That's really what I want. So, I can settle down and say, “hey, come to my place.”
When Tom moved back to Adelaide after fifty years of living overseas doing charity work, it was a different city to the one he remembered growing up in.
At age 84, he had made the heartbreaking decision to pack a small bag with four shirts and left behind the life he knew and loved.
“My partner of 14 years had melanoma, and I nursed her for five years before we agreed that it would be best if I returned to Adelaide – we had both watched enough loved ones die. There wasn’t going to be any safety net of support for me overseas as I got older, while I knew I could get help in Australia.”
With his pension Tom was able to afford a hotel room in Hindley Street. The noise and nightlife were far from the life of peace and quiet he desired, and the entrance steps made it outright dangerous.
“I've fallen over so many times and that's what I'm concerned about - I'm not getting any younger. I started looking for places that helped people without a home, and everyone said Hutt St is where you need to go.”
Tom was hesitant walking into Hutt St Centre for the first time. Thanks to your generous support, he received a warm welcome from staff and volunteers that quickly put his worries to rest.
“You come in and the volunteers in the dining room and laundry are wonderful. It's nice to be around them. And the staff have been caring for me."
“The food here is really quite good. I’ve had help from the nurse, podiatry service, and occupational therapist. The pastoral care coordinator, Jacko, is a lovely guy.”
As well as meeting immediate needs like meals and healthcare, our Aged City Living team connected Tom with the Lifestyles Group, helping him fill his days with purpose and joy.
“There’s a walking group and we go to the gym sometimes. Recently we went op shopping in the Adelaide Hills. I’ve made a good friend through the group, we’re very different people but we have similar situations and help each other out.”
In the background, Tom’s Case Manager and his Care Finder, Leah, were working hard and helped find him a good home.
“Leah has been an angel. I had nothing, no belongings – so she put food and furniture in the house for me. I’ve got to pinch myself, I never thought it would ever be this good – it’s way beyond my imagination.”
Thanks to your kindness, Tom has found a fresh start and new meaningful friendships. Your support meant he didn’t have to go through homelessness alone.
“My friend has been helping me set up my home. I'm surrounded by seven old ladies as neighbours who are loving me to bits. I’ve been adopted by everyone at church, and they take me there and home or out for lunch. I’m a happy chappy!”
“Basically, what I want to say is thank you. That's number one. Thank you for your extreme generosity. I know the sacrifice people make to help others.”
