YOU might just have stepped into your own home after many years on the streets only to find one daunting issue after another hits you.
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You may never have cooked a meal before, may not be able to read or write, may not be able to pay bills or fines.
In general, you would be anxious and fearful that someone is going to take your home away because you don't matter and don't deserve a second chance.
This is where support worker Carlie Burridge steps in.
Carlie is a support worker for Bomaderry based Salt Ministries and her role is to help people make the adjustment from homelessness to living in the home,
Carlie and the entire Salt organisation say their assisted housing model works, and Carlie has seen many success stories.
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"One person in particular now has a sense of belonging and community," Carlie said.
"This person feels like they can reach out now, rather than not reaching out for help."
With Salt's support, many homeless people now feel that they matter and that someone does care about them.
"One person has come a long way and is now on the road to independence," Carlie added
Carlie's main role is to help Salt's assisted housing clients as one of the group's support worker
She helps people to keep up with their rent and to link with other support services but her key role is to show people that they matter.
It can be an emotional experience when that door of support is literally opened to someone who was once homeless.
"The thank-yous we get at times are amazing," Carlie said.
In her experience, one tick against a person's name could have ramifications well into the future
She assists 10 to 14 people per week and depending on their needs the contact could be up to three times a week.
When a person has been homeless for a period of time they do need ongoing support for many reasons.
"It can be challenging at first and sometimes it's just helping a person with those life skills we sometimes take for granted," she said
She added sometimes a newly housed person has never been shown how to do any life skills
Sometimes a person may even struggle with a basic life skill like cooking a meal
Other "major roadblocks" include setting up their internet and getting electricity connected to their home
Carlie explained illiteracy was another barrier when applying for housing
"It's just about helping people with that paperwork as well - that is what I do with a lot of my people. I will sit down and do the paperwork - with them - not for them," she said.
She says hers is a hard but fulfilling role.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please call:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Headspace 1800 650 890
QLife 1800 184 527
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