Cairns resident, Ryley Sullivan, fights to stay housed
A Cairns resident found herself on the verge of homelessness and unsure how to rebuild — until she connected with the Salvation Army.
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During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Cairns resident found herself on the verge of homelessness and unsure how to rebuild — until she connected with the Salvation Army.
After experiencing a mental health breakdown while working in aged care, Ryley Sullivan lost her job, her stability, and nearly her sense of hope.
“I was just in a really dark place,” she said.
Ms Sullivan ended up couch surfing, living in her car, and spending time in temporary shelters before being connected with the Salvation Army’s housing services in Cairns.
“If it wasn’t for the Salvos, honestly, I don’t know where I’d be. They treated me like a human, not a problem,” she said.
It comes after the Salvation Army broke ground on a major housing redevelopment in Cairns North earlier this month, aimed at tackling the region’s homelessness crisis.
The project is transforming the worn-out Centennial Lodge on Sheridan Street into 40 new dwellings for people in need of emergency, longer-term, or community housing.
Ms Sullivan had previously been a tenant of the old lodgings and said the facility had become very “worn out”.
She is now living in a long-term share house managed by the Salvos in Mooroobool — with her cat, bird, and dog Nahla.
“I’ve found stability, comfort, and the space to rebuild my life,” she said.
While the rebuild is underway, the Cairns Salvation Army team continues to offer mobile support to around 110 adults and up to 50 dependants.
A report released in March 2025 by Women Minister Fiona Simpson revealed Cairns women spend an average of 57 weeks searching for full-time work and are significantly more at risk of homelessness, making up the majority of Queensland’s homeless population.
However, Ms Sullivan wants to encourage others, especially women going through similar struggles to take the first and often hardest, step.
“You’ve got to ask for help, no one can read your mind,” she said.
What stood out most to the ex-aged care nurse was the Salvos’ consistent professionalism and compassion.
“They keep that professional boundary, but they still care. They know when to give you space and when to check in,” she said.
“There were days when I was struggling but didn’t feel like talking, and they’d just say, ‘We’ll talk later — you good now?’ That meant a lot.”
Ms Sullivan said the Salvos not only help people find housing, but also support them with essential life admin — like applying for a licence or tracking down documents.
“They help you rebuild independence, step by step, they show you how you can stand on your own,” she said.
For those struggling to reach out, she encouraged starting small.
“There’s no shame in it. Call the nurse’s hotline, talk to a friend or go to the Salvos — you don’t have to do it alone,” she said.
Anyone experiencing homeless can call the Cairns supported accommodation services on 0487 815 369.
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Originally published as Cairns resident, Ryley Sullivan, fights to stay housed
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