When It Doesn't Rain, it Pours

Pete Bellamy, Research Officer and Joanne Cummings, Senior Researcher for Anglicare's Social, Policy and Research Unit (SPRU) recently conducted twenty-three interviews with Anglicare clients for the upcoming qualitative research project on Hunger and Homelessness. Below they share their experiences. From Mt Druitt to Nowra, they sat with people weathering the storm of rising costs, parents, carers, workers, each with a story that reshaped their understanding of poverty, resilience, and the meaning of home.

Jo's Story

It was raining when I left home to drive south to our community hubs in Wollongong and Nowra. The storm clouds mirrored the heaviness I felt, knowing I'd be speaking with people living on or below the poverty line, those facing impossible choices: pay rent or buy food, cover the electricity bill or school fees.

I was struck by how ordinary everyone seemed, just like you or me, only they'd been caught in a sudden downpour of misfortune. None liked asking for help, yet here they were, sitting across from me, sharing how life had unravelled. Some were working low-paid jobs, others couldn't work due to carer responsibilities, visa status, or health issues. A few were in recovery from substance use. Even with government support, it wasn't enough.

What challenged me most was the sense of hopelessness. Many felt trapped in a cycle of poverty, with little chance of escape unless the system changes. Yet, even in hardship, there were moments of dignity, like the kindness of a woman living in temporary accommodation who still made time to care for others in her building, and the quiet gratitude expressed by those receiving Anglicare's support. We talked about the rising cost of living, the stress of managing money, and the relief that came simply from being heard. I left changed, not just as a researcher, but as a person.

Pete's Story

As I drove out to Mt Druitt, I knew it was going to be a confronting day. This was my second time participating in this project, having conducted interviews for the first Hungry or Homeless report in 2023. Hearing people's raw stories, some shaped by generational disadvantage, others by spiralling crisis, deeply challenged and moved me back then. It changed how I saw disadvantage and motivated me to begin volunteering at a local social housing program. Spending time alongside frontline Anglicare staff gave me insight into the incredible work that they do; walking alongside people, advocating on their behalf and caring for people with genuine compassion.

This year's interviews were just as powerful. I was again struck by the sacrifices parents made to ensure their children lived as normal a life as possible. They would sacrifice new clothes to pay for their child's sporting activities or skip meals to ensure their kids eat enough. I was also struck by people's resilience; their ability to keep going, to find small solutions amid constant pressure. One man described how he and his friends built a relationship with their local butcher, buying in bulk together to save money. This is the power of community.

These interviews reminded us how quickly someone's circumstances can change, and how deeply fortunate we are to have the stability of home and the support of loved ones, things many of those we spoke with are fighting to hold onto.