“I Didn’t Know If I Would Fit In”: Tracey’s Story in a Growing Homelessness Crisis

June 5, 2026

Today, someone will walk up to the Street Outreach Service (SOS) van for the very first time, just like Tracey once did.

They might feel unsure.

They might feel anxious.

They might not even know what they are hoping to find. But for many, that small moment can mean everything.

Tracey's Story

For a year and a half, Tracey was sleeping rough.

Life in a tent was unpredictable. After having some of her belongings stolen, she felt so shaken that even stepping outside felt unsafe. She was scared, isolated, and unsure who to trust.

A friend encouraged her to try the Drug ARM SOS van. At first, she hesitated. “I didn’t know if I would fit in,” she said. “When you’ve been doing it tough, you feel nervous about showing up anywhere.”

But eventually, she went.

“And honestly? It felt good. People were chatting, laughing, catching up like neighbours. No judgement. No pressure. Just a warm cuppa and some company”, she explained.

That moment, as simple as it was, became a turning point.

The Power of Small Things

For many people experiencing homelessness or hardship, connection can be just as important as practical support.

At the SOS van, Tracey found both. She found people who checked in on her. People who helped charge her phone when she needed it. People who simply listened.

“It is built on people helping people,” she says — a simple idea that has a powerful ripple effect.

Over time, these small moments of care helped Tracey begin to believe that change was possible.

Eventually, she moved into her own flat. A moment she once only imagined. But even that transition came with its challenges. “When you’ve been sleeping rough, even good changes can feel overwhelming,” she explains.

Tracey often reflects on the little things:
A familiar face.
A smile.
Someone remembering her favourite snacks. “They make you feel seen,” she says.

And when you’ve spent a long time feeling invisible, being seen can change everything. That sense of belonging doesn’t just help people survive, it helps them take the next steps forward.

A Crisis Growing Around Us

Tracey’s experience is not unique. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly common.

As of September 2025, the reality in Brisbane is stark:

– More than 260 families, including over 500 children are in crisis accommodation.

– The number of families facing homelessness has nearly tripled in just 18 months.

– Families are often stuck in motels for over 12 months, without basic amenities like kitchens or laundries.

– Queensland’s social housing waitlist has grown to over 52,000 people.

Behind every number is someone like Tracey who is doing their best navigating uncertainty, fear, and isolation.

And for many, the journey into homelessness doesn’t happen suddenly. It builds over time due to rising costs, limited housing, and life challenges stacking up until there are no safe options left.

The Hidden Impact of Isolation

However, one of the hardest parts of homelessness isn’t just the lack of housing, it is the loss of connection.

For Tracey, the SOS van became more than a place to grab a drink.

It became a place where:

– Someone would check in if she was feeling anxious.
– People looked out for each other.
– Volunteers remembered the small things that mattered.

It’s easy to think that only big interventions create change. But Tracey’s story shows something different.

Change can start with: A friendly conversation. A familiar face. A simple act of kindness.

People Helping People

One of the most powerful things Tracey shares is this:

“When someone helps you, you pass it on.”

That is the spirit behind the SOS van. It is not just a service, it is a community.

A place where, people look out for each other, kindness is shared and no one is judged for their circumstances.

And in a time where more people are facing homelessness than ever before, that kind of connection matters. Because while large-scale housing solutions take time, people need support right now.

What Your Donation Can Do

Today, someone will take that same step Tracey once did.

They will walk up, unsure of what they will find.

And what they experience in that moment, such as kindness, care, connection and non-judgement — might be the thing that helps them keep going.

Because sometimes, the path out of crisis doesn’t begin with a house. Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a cup of coffee, and the feeling that you are not alone.

The Street Outreach Service operates across multiple communities, providing essential supplies, support, and human connection to those who need it most. It costs $42,800 each year to keep the vans stocked and running across key regions.

Every donation helps ensure that:

A warm drink is available.
A conversation can happen.
A moment of dignity is preserved.
A pathway to support is opened.

Because often, that first step walking up to the van is the hardest.

If You Would Like To Help

If you would like to make a difference, you may wish to make a donation. We have the following options available:

Donate online t https://donate.drugarm.com.au/ or via the following methods:

Phone: Call our supporter team on (07) 3620 8805

Cheque/ Money Order: Mail your cheque or money order to GPO Box 590, Brisbane QLD 4103.

Bank Transfer: Make your gift using the following details, with your surname or donor ID as reference, and advise us via : Drug ARM Gift Fund | Westpac: BSB 034 002 | Account Number: 70 4955

We know that:

$49 can help keep an outreach kit stocked with water, snacks, care items and drinks

$140 can support our frontline volunteers with the resources they need to reach out, without judgment, to people on the streets

$580 can keep the Street Outreach van running and expand to new areas of need.

Thank you for you support!