This International Women’s Day, we’re sharing Charmaine’s story her journey began in a volatile relationship, led her through addiction, loss, and homelessness, and brought her to a place of resilience and growth.
Charmaine spent years in an abusive relationship and leaving wasn’t easy.
“You want people to look at you and see a picture-perfect family. They don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.”
Alcohol became her coping mechanism, a way to escape the reality of her situation. But addiction only made things harder. When the relationship ended, Charmaine found herself in and out of recovery, trying to rebuild but falling back into the cycle of addiction and instability.
“I was scared.”
For a period, Charmaine had nowhere to go, spending nights in unsafe environments, sometimes even sleeping rough.
“It’s not even about sleeping because you don’t sleep. You’re always on high alert.”
Finding temporary shelter in a crash bed was a relief, but it wasn’t a home. Eventually, with the help of a support worker at a welcome centre, she was referred to Simon Community.
“I came here with just the clothes I stood in.”
When she arrived at the doors of Simon Community, Charmaine didn’t have more than what she was wearing. She doesn’t remember much about that first night, except for the overwhelming relief of having a door she could lock and a bed that was hers.
“I was just glad to have a warm bed and know that no one could come through that door unless I let them.”
The staff welcomed her with kindness. They provided toiletries, clothing, and most importantly, support.
“It’s not just about a roof over my head.”
For Charmaine, Simon Community has become more than just a place to stay, it became a place of healing.
“The support here is beyond anything I expected. It’s not just about housing. It’s about helping you get your life back.”
Through counselling, well-being services, and a strong community, she started to rebuild. She made friends, became a mentor to others, and slowly began regaining her confidence.
“I’ve always been a wallflower, but now I’ve found my voice.”
Since arriving, Charmaine has spoken on the radio about her experiences and even met with government representatives to advocate for homelessness services.
“A year ago, I would never have done something like that. But now, I realise it’s OK to speak up. It’s OK to say no. And it’s OK to want more for yourself.”
As she looks to the future, Charmaine’s hopes are simple, stability, her own home, and continued growth.
“I’ll be sad to leave when my time comes. But I know I’m leaving stronger than I arrived.”
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Charmaine and all the women in Simon Community who are working to rebuild their lives.