Last September, I found myself in a place I never could have imagined. Life took an unexpected turn, and after a sudden relationship breakdown, I was unable to return to our family home.
With my almost three-year-old daughter by my side, I was faced with the overwhelming reality of homelessness and an uncertain future.
The weight of fear and uncertainty was overwhelming. I didn’t know which way to turn or what options were even available. Yet, in the midst of this challenging time, I discovered an incredible source of support: Coast Shelter.
A Lifeline of Kindness and Hope
Coast Shelter wasn’t just a service that helped us find a roof over our heads; they became a beacon of compassion, dignity, and hope. After staying with family for the first week, we quickly realised there was no room for us beyond that initial period. With no other option, I reached out to a local Women’s Health Centre for guidance. They connected me with Coast Shelter and Link2Home, who were able to arrange temporary accommodation for us, giving us a safe place to stay.
When my Coast Shelter caseworker arrived at our temporary accommodation, she greeted us with a warm smile, a bag of essentials, and a little teddy bear for my daughter, Indie. In that moment, her kindness offered comfort amidst the fear, anxiety,
and uncertainty we were feeling. Knowing we had someone in our corner brought a sense of hope, even during such a difficult time.
Navigating Roadblocks on the Path to Stability
As a former high-income earner and corporate leader, I found myself facing unexpected roadblocks in seeking support. Falling between the cracks of typical eligibility for assistance, I struggled to navigate a system that didn’t account for someone in my
situation. As a business owner of a fairly new start-up social enterprise, without a conventional income stream yet in place, the process became even more complex.
Adding to the challenge was my limited rental history, having only rented once over twenty years ago. This placed additional strain on an already difficult situation, making it harder than expected to escape homelessness.
Despite these barriers, Coast Shelter remained a constant source of support, advocating for us and helping us find stability amidst the challenges.
Redefining Home and Embracing Simple Joys
Due to the housing crisis and the overwhelming number of people facing homelessness across the Coast, Coast Shelter’s refuges were full. This meant we moved around quite a bit, spending time in different temporary accommodations.
Instead of seeing each move as a setback, I tried to make every new place feel like a small adventure for Indie and me. We spent hours exploring parks, being in nature, and enjoying simple playtime together.
These experiences helped us redefine “home” as more than just a physical space; it became about the memories we created, the laughter we shared, and the time we spent together.
Fueling a Dream Amidst Uncertainty
Amid all the uncertainty, one thing that helped me stay positive was the vision of Little Paws, Big Roars. This journey strengthened my commitment to the brand’s purpose.
Little Paws became more than just a business idea; it evolved into a mission grounded in hope, resilience, and connection for families everywhere.
During quiet nights whilst in temporary accommodation, as Indie slept beside me, I poured my heart into designing a Little Paws “Where’s Wally” style scavenger hunt puzzle around the theme of finding the home within.
I envisioned adventure scenes, playful characters, and hidden treasures that would bring smiles to both children and parents. Capturing the vision onto paper filled me with purpose and joy, giving me a sense of meaning during our challenging times.
Knowing that our journey could one day inspire joy and connection for other families fuelled me through the darkest hours.
Why Little Paws, Big Roars Supports Coast Shelter
Finally, in early December, we secured a private rental—just in time for Christmas, bringing our ten weeks of homelessness to an end. Although our new home was sparse, it was ours, and we were together. We may not have had much, but we had each other and a vision for a brighter future.
Looking back on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the support Coast Shelter provided. They didn’t just give us the initial support we needed; they supported us towards a more stable future. Their help was not a temporary solution but an ongoing lifeline that allowed us to find strength and resilience, transforming our experience into something meaningful.
That’s why Little Paws, Big Roars is committed to giving back to Coast Shelter.
This Christmas season, 50% of profits from the sale of our products will go directly to Coast Shelter’s Christmas Appeal, ensuring families across the Coast that need support continue to receive it.
For every product we create, every family we connect with, we remember how much Coast Shelter has helped us and are grateful to be able to give back to others who need
it.
A Journey of Resilience, Love, and Purpose
To Coast Shelter and everyone who supported us, thank you. Your kindness has shaped our story and fuels our mission every day.
At Little Paws, Big Roars, we believe that life’s toughest moments can be the foundation for something beautiful.
Our journey taught us that true strength comes from love, resilience, and the connections we build.
By sharing our story, we hope to inspire other families to find hope, joy, and the courage to create their own adventures—no matter where life takes them.