'It was really scary not knowing where to go or what to do.'

When 19-year-old Saran was told not to come home, she panicked. It was Mission Australia in Canterbury-Bankstown that was there for her in one of her darkest moments.

As Saran walked through the door, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her initial fears were cast aside as she was met with a private room with fresh bed sheets, a toothbrush, a set of clothes and other essential hygiene items. She finally had safety and security, even if it was temporary. 

Saran now has a part-time job, lives in affordable housing and plans to complete her course in Criminology this year.

‘I’ve made life-long friends from the refuge. Thank you for helping me. I would’ve had to stay on the streets if the team at Mission Australia were not there to help me.’