b'From crisis to stability Mariam *has struggled with homelessness, alcohol and otherdrug (AOD) use, unemployment and mental health challengesfor many years. The mother-of-one has not been able toIn July 2021, she moved into a H2H property address these issues due to a lack of stableand has gone from strength to strength since.housing and limited supports in place. Mariam had outstanding court matters andBut this started to change when Mariam waswas granted a community correction order accepted to our From Homelessness to ainstead of imprisonment, which she was Home (H2H) program in 2021 through Unitingthrilled about.in Ballarat. Mariam has been successful in securing a job Mariam reached her wits end when she wasat a local retailer and is looking into coursesevicted from a local housing program andto improve her employment prospects.banned from almost every motel in Ballarat. She has since been able to reunify with her The 30-year-old was experiencing significantyoung son and have him stay at her property AOD use. for the first time in years.Mariam contacted Uniting and was desperateMariam is continuing to work closely with her to be given a second chance to receive housing. support team to build a positive future for She successfully completed a behaviourherself and her son.change interview and accessed AOD support For Mariam, it took reaching rock bottom to at Uniting. turn things around.Mariams AOD worker advocated for Mariam* This is a true story about a real person. Some details such as to be given another chance at the housingnames have been changed to respect the wishes of the person featured. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative program and was successful. purposes only. It is not a photo of the person featured in this story.She moved back in, knowing that it was her last chance, and she must reduce her substance use and get her life back on track.Mariam pushed herself through every challenge, temptation and barrier that wasFind out morethrown at her.'