Hunters Hill customer Trent is excited about what tomorrow might bring: “I can see a future now,” he says. “I’m in a very different place to where I was in December 2020.”   

That was when there was an increase in rent on the property where he lived in Sydney’s east – and he and his flatmate, who suffers from bipolar disorder, found themselves facing homelessness. “I contacted St George Community Housing and we were placed in temporary accommodation before we were offered the apartment we now have, in Hunters Hill.”   

Trent was initially referred to Catalyst, SGCH’s employment support program, in October 2021, but due to alcohol dependency he became disengaged. “I had problems with alcohol and marijuana,” says Trent, “but even when things were really hard, I knew I had some better quality in me.”   

By the end of 2022 Trent had got himself sober via Alcoholics Anonymous and had resumed his study – he is currently in the process of completing a Certificate IV in Community Services. “Trent reengaged with Catalyst and we were able to help him with a wifi dongle, so he could do his assignments at home, and in securing a work placement at Wayside Chapel,” says Carrie, who as Housing Plus Manager oversees the Catalyst program.  

 “Carrie has helped me a lot, she’s made all the difference,” says Trent. “I am very grateful that I went back to Catalyst. Carrie never gave up on me.” His work placement is “awesome”, he adds, and he’s continuing to do well in his TAFE studies. “I can’t wait to get finished so I can work with homeless or Indigenous people. I’m in a really good place now and I want to give back.”   

The only ‘issue’ Trent has now with his studies is that sometimes the view beyond the window is too enticing. “We overlook the river and it’s so peaceful – it makes me want to get out there!” he laughs. When he’s not studying or working, Trent enjoys gardening and has a new raised bed where he’s planted spinach, peas, beans and radishes. “I’m so happy when I’m gardening – I find it very calming and I’d recommend it to anyone.”   

Find out more about our Catalyst program here.