Mum Adara knows all too well the stress and struggle of living in poverty. Adara and her son, 3, risked becoming homeless when the rent on their private rental suddenly increased beyond what she could afford.
Growing up in the care system, Adara does not have the safety net of family to fall back on. Now, as a young single mum, she shoulders the full weight of trying to create safety and stability for herself and her little boy. All while living on the edge of poverty and homelessness.
“I got referred to Uniting during a bit of a rough patch,” says Adara.
To pay bills and care for her son, Adara has been forced to forgo vital medical support for her chronic health issues.
“Once the rent is paid, trying to cover the rest of the bills, groceries and other necessities, there’s nothing left,” she explains. “A lot of those necessities I have to miss out on so I can put them forward for my son.”
For Adara, the relentless stress of covering rent and household bills has become an unbearable weight.
“Rental prices are going up and the cost of living is still going up. It gets to the point where I worry, I just can’t do this anymore,” she says. “I’m burnt out … I want to do more than just survive … I want to live.”
Now, with Uniting’s support, Adara has finished her Certificate IV in Youth Work and is now completing her Diploma, aiming to work in homelessness services.
“Without the support of Uniting I don’t think my son and I would currently have a home,” she says.
“I love to speak out about my story and the stories I’ve heard in the sector. I have a quirky brain, with ADHD, and it helps me see things differently.”
Adara’s strength and resilience shine through, fuelled by her determination to build a life where her son can thrive, and to use her experiences to support others facing homelessness.
