From patron to supporter: Meet Michael

It was while weathering a perfect storm of disconnection, unemployment, poverty and domestic turmoil that Michael K first found Rosies. Newly married, Michael and his then-wife had moved from Western Australia to Ipswich’s Brassall in 2016, not knowing a soul in their new town.

“I am American and my wife was Brazilian, so we didn’t have a strong family support system around us. She was supporting me while I looked for work even though she didn’t have many means and it all just got to be too much,” Michael, 48, recalls.

He moved out and began living in his car with no money and no idea who to turn to for help. Out of desperation, he went to the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre and was directed to Rosies.

“I hadn’t eaten in two days and Rosies fed me. It was the happiest moment at my lowest point,” Michael says.

“The volunteers were welcoming, caring and compassionate. They also gave me a sleeping bag – I didn’t have anything so that meant a lot. They also suggested a few steps to take to try and get some extra help.

“I came back the following week and the team took care of me; they gave me some more food and some non-perishables. It sounds simple but what they gave me helped me function, got me to think straight, and fueled my mind.” Like many who are newly homeless, Michael found it difficult to navigate the systems designed to help people.

Buoyed by the friendship and support of Rosies, Michael persisted and was eventually assigned a friendly and helpful Centrelink case officer who met him in person to offer guidance and assistance. Michael also reconciled with his wife for a time and returned home.

“It was the longest two weeks of my life and I still think about it often,” he says.

Michael now works as a Research Fellow at a Brisbane university and is studying the conservation of freshwater species and vegetation. “I will be coming to the end of my employment contract soon and am experiencing some anxiety around this. The fear of unemployment and remembering where I was without employment has impacted me long-term; that trauma will always be with me. I have a good support system now so it would be different, but I still remember that experience and don’t ever want to be there again,” he concedes.

Michael experienced homelessness for a short period but it had a profound impact on him so when he had the means, he donated to Rosies, the organisation that helped him when he was in need.

“I read a story about these safe sleep pods that allow people who are homeless to have a good night’s rest being removed because of Council red tape in Launceston. I hadn’t thought about giving back but the story made me think about Rosies and I thought I have the power now to do something good. “I don’t have time to volunteer but I could donate, so I did.

If you would like to?help us support people in need like Michael, please donate today.