Geelong West woman Shae Samios goes from living on the streets to a private rental

A Geelong West woman was able to transition from living on the streets and out of a suitcase, to independently in a private rental. Here’s how.

Shae Samios and Rhys are sharing their experiences with All In One finding them housing. Picture: Alan Barber

A Geelong West woman has shared how she went from being homeless to living independently, with a local support organisation helping her get into the private rental market.

Shae Samios was in the psychiatric ward of a Geelong hospital after living on the streets for multiple years over the pandemic.

The 44-year-old lives with mental health issues and a physical disability, and said a support worker at the hospital suggested she look into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for housing and everyday support.

Ms Samios then contacted All In One Support Services, which formed in 2021 out of community need for a tailored mental health, disability, and housing support service for NDIS participants.

Ms Samios was placed into joint accommodation temporarily, before eventually moving to her current Geelong West home, which she has been living in for about a year.

Community support worker Nick Ogden with Shaen and Rhys. Picture: Alan Barber

She said she was now able to create a home for herself, instead of “living out of a suitcase”.

“I feel like I’ve got my life back, and I’m happy again,” she said.

“It feels awesome.

“It’s actually changed my life.”

According to the 2021 Census, there were 1546 homeless people in the Greater Geelong area on Census night.

This was a more than 200 per cent increase from the 2016 Census, when 750 people were reported as homeless in the Greater Geelong area.

Ms Samios said she received ongoing support from All In One, with a support worker visiting twice a week, to help her run errands or “just get out of the house”.

Rhys, 31, is also living independently because of All In One’s support.

Rhys, who did not want his surname published, said he had lived through some abusive situations, but with the service, had been able to get on the right track.

He said he moved into a house in Thomson, and has been happily living there for about 14 weeks.

“All In One helped get this place and help me with anything I need,” he said.

“They are a great support.

“They provide me with stability – I know I can count on them.

“I feel happy and safe now I have somewhere to call home.”

All In One Support Services has helped more than 60 people locally this year alone with accommodation support, linkages, and securing tenancy.

Director and social worker Mark James said the organisation had forged strong connections with stakeholders, allowing them to access housing options for people, particularly the private rental market.

“As we know Geelong and much of Victoria is experiencing a private rental decline making it harder for people to access affordable and sustainable options,” he said.

“That’s where we can help.”

All In One Support Services is moving from Breakwater to a new location at 6 James St, Geelong from November 20.

For more information visit allinonesupport.com.au/

Originally published as Geelong West woman Shae Samios goes from living on the streets to a private rental