Meet Danielle

Danielle’s story is one of perseverance. Her journey with Barnardos began three years ago when this single mum of six children was on the brink of homelessness. Determined to keep her family safe and together, she defied all odds to give her children the home they deserved.

After separating from her partner, Danielle moved into a cheap rental property on the outskirts of her hometown. In a ruthless housing market with limited rental options for larger families, she had no choice but to accept a run-down home. Soon after moving in, Danielle discovered that the property was plagued with mice and the ceilings and walls were caving in. Desperate to avoid homelessness and child services from knocking on her door, she stayed.

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) became involved when a neighbour raised concerns about the family. Danielle was trying her hardest to make the most of an impossible situation. DCJ recognised the poor state of the home and could see that Danielle was capable of caring for her children. That’s when Barnardos stepped in.

Our Mudgee team quickly secured a four-bedroom transitional home for Danielle and her children through our Specialist Homelessness Service. But this was short-lived as the landlord had to sell the property. Caring for a child with a disability, Danielle had a support dog she also had to consider.

“I’m not going to lie. I was really depressed. Even looking for houses myself wasn’t a great big help either. Landlords don’t like to lease out to people with so many children,” says Danielle.

Living out of boxes, uncertain of their future, Danielle and her children were suffering. Their Barnardos case manager was with them every step of the way, providing emotional support during these trying times. Her children would always ask: “How long are we going to be here for? Are we going to get kicked out again? When will we find a permanent home?” They were constantly afraid of becoming homeless and the instability was taking a toll on their education. Barnardos provided Danielle with guidance through our Family Support Program and assisted her 12-year-old daughter, who has special needs, with her transition to high school through our Reconnect Program. Danielle also accessed parenting courses and in-home crisis support through our Intensive Preservation Program to prevent her children from entering care.

Through perseverance, Barnardos found another transitional home for Danielle and her children and eventually, an ongoing 4-bedroom private rental was secured for the family.

“It was a struggle, but we got there in the end. If it wasn’t for Barnardos helping us out, I honestly don’t know where my children would be. DCJ might have taken them because I was falling emotionally behind. Now we are settling down and the children know that this is our forever home,” says Danielle.

Danielle has come leaps and bounds over the last three years. She has since remarried, found work and bought a new car. “There’s a big difference from where I started to where I’ve come now. I was so close to
being homeless if it wasn’t for Barnardos being there for everything” she says.

We are beyond proud of Danielle and her determination to create a better life for her children. With the right support, she was able to avoid homelessness and give her children the best chance to thrive.