From Homelessness to Housing, Employment and Connection to Country
Short Stay Homelessness Program
impact story
We say thank you to Country Connect and NEAL for helping us. We like being busy and work. We like helping the community to support it to be strong and stay clean and tidy.
Edwina and Alfred
Edwina and Alfred were referred to Country Connect Foundation’s Short Stay Homelessness Program after experiencing homelessness and living in non-conventional accommodation, camping in the backyard of an overcrowded family home. With no safe or secure housing options available, the wet season approaching, and facing a period of health challenges, their living situation had become increasingly unsafe and unsustainable.
Recognising the urgency of their circumstances, our team commenced outreach support and explored longer-term accommodation options while awaiting a room within our Short Stay accommodation. This early intervention ensured Edwina and Alfred remained connected to essential services and had their immediate needs met, reducing the risks associated with prolonged homelessness.
Through coordinated outreach, Country Connect provided regular food relief through our partnership with Woolworths, alongside meals prepared by participants residing in our Short Stay accommodation as part of their tenancy and independent living skill development. Staff also provided transport to appointments and essential services, facilitated referrals and warm connections with local support services, and delivered ongoing case management focused on wellbeing, housing pathways and future planning.
Once a room became available in our Short Stay accommodation, Edwina and Alfred transitioned to the residence where they remained for 90 days. During this time, the focus extended beyond providing temporary accommodation. Staff worked alongside them to build the practical skills, confidence and supports required to achieve long-term housing stability and greater independence.
Support focused on strengthening daily living and tenancy skills, developing financial capability, exploring future housing options and creating pathways to meaningful employment. Recognising that economic participation is a key protective factor against homelessness, Country Connect partnered with North East Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation (NEAL) to connect Edwina and Alfred with employment opportunities. While adjusting to fulltime employment presented some challenges, staff from both organisations maintained a coordinated approach, providing encouragement, practical support and ongoing goal setting to help them remain engaged in the workforce.
Through securing employment and building greater financial independence, Edwina and Alfred were able to purchase their own vehicle. Reliable transport removed a significant barrier to ongoing employment and access to essential services, while also making it possible for them to return to Country, where they secured stable housing through family connections.
Today, both Edwina and Alfred remain employed with NEAL, now within their homeland community. Alfred works as a homeland labourer, contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of community infrastructure, while Edwina is employed as a cleaner. Their employment provides financial security while allowing them to actively contribute to the wellbeing and pride of their community.
Their journey demonstrates that sustainable homelessness outcomes are achieved through more than temporary accommodation alone. By combining early intervention, person-centred case management, practical assistance, employment pathways and strong local partnerships, Edwina and Alfred were supported to transition from homelessness to stable housing, meaningful employment and renewed independence.
Their story reflects the intent of the Northern Territory Supported Homelessness Services Program: preventing ongoing homelessness through coordinated, culturally responsive and person-centred support that builds resilience, strengthens connections to family, community and Country, and empowers people to achieve safe housing and long-term wellbeing.
Country Connect Foundation’s Short Stay Homelessness Program is funded by the Northern Territory Government through the Department of Children and Families under the Northern Territory Supported Homelessness Services Program.