Jason: Portrait of a young man

Jason* is 17 years old and has been homeless on and off since the age of 13, staying on the street, in squats, and with friends. 

Jason’s mother has been a chronic alcoholic for as long as he can remember. His biological father left when he was a baby. Growing up, Jason experienced physical and emotional abuse from both his mother and her partner, and the family regularly went without, as his mother spent her pension on alcohol. 

When under the influence of alcohol, his mother would become abusive and hit him. At 16, Jason was asked to leave the family home for the last time. His mother told extended family members that Jason was using heroin, and as a result, they ceased all contact. Jason went to live with his girlfriend and her mother. 

During this time, Jason was referred to the Hope Street in Melton program, where he received support for employment, education and training, material aid, counselling, housing assistance, health, and money management programs. Jason worked hard and attended all appointments. After completing several work trials, he was offered two apprenticeships and accepted the bricklaying role he really wanted. 

When Jason and his girlfriend were evicted from her mother’s house, he kept showing up to work. With the support of his Hope Street specialist case manager, he secured a private rental.His case manager helping him arrange a bond and move into the property. 

A few weeks later, Jason received a call that his biological father had died in a car crash. At the funeral, he met extended family for the first time and learned that his father had tattooed Jason’s name across his heart all those years ago when he left. 

Jason is currently working through his grief; having lost a father he had hoped one day to know. His paternal grandparents are now supportive, helping him rebuild those family connections and reunite with his sisters. 

*Name changed to protect privacy.