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Natasha's Story
Tash describes herself as a “system kid.”
Her childhood and teenage years were shaped by instability, domestic violence, and the constant uncertainty of not knowing where she would sleep. She fell through the cracks of child protection and housing systems, often left to fend for herself as a young teenager.
“Child and youth protection services were basically non-existent after they deemed me sleeping outside of Pancake Parlour in the city as ‘suitable temporary accommodation’.”
She remembers how unsafe those nights were, and how young she was.
“Out the front of Pancake Parlour was one of the safest places I stayed, in the middle of winter as a 14-year-old female.”
Sometimes, safety only came in the form of temporary interventions.
“I recall a police officer sometimes detaining myself and friends just so that we could spend the night safely inside a cell.”
This became her normal: couch surfing, sleeping rough, and drifting between unsafe places to stay. Every day was about survival.
When she was connected with Our Place, Tashs' life began to shift. At first, she carried fear and mistrust, expecting more disappointment. But what she found was something different: consistent support, practical guidance, and people who would not give up on her.
“There were still bumps in the road… but I knew I wasn’t doing it alone anymore.”
For the first time, she could focus on more than survival. Our Place gave her the space to develop life skills, learn to budget, pursue education, and rebuild her sense of self-worth.
She says stable housing meant far more than a roof.
“Because of stable living, I know my son is going to be okay. Our Place gave me the foot in the door to being the best mum I can be.”
Today, Tash lives in Melbourne with her four-year-old son. She works full-time, is studying community services, and has built a safe and stable home environment for her child, something she never experienced herself.
She is proud of breaking the cycle of trauma and of creating a different future for her family.
“It was a roller coaster… when my tunnel was pitch black and there was no light, Our Place workers held the torch.”
Tashs' story is one of pain, survival, and resilience. Against the odds, she transformed her life, using every opportunity she was given to build stability and purpose.
Her journey shows that even when the system fails, with the proper support and determination, it is possible to rise above hardship. She has not only overcome her own adversity, but she is also creating a new legacy for her son, one built on love, safety, and hope.
This story has been compiled and written by Black Sally Lane Media. The content is based on the lived experiences generously shared by participants. While the content has been edited for readability and flow, every effort has been made to preserve the authenticity of their voices.
The views expressed belong to the individuals who shared their stories.