March 2026 Newsletter

CASE STUDIES OF THOSE IN NEED WE HAVE HELPED

Help to avoid homelessness

Dorcas ACTS was contacted about an older community member who had unexpectedly found himself without a home after his long-term tenancy of more than a decade came to an end. At over 80 years of age and relying on a mobility scooter, he faced significant barriers to securing emergency accommodation on his own. After self-funding two nights at a local motel, an enormous personal cost that quickly exhausted his limited pension, he was left with no remaining funds and nowhere safe to stay.

With the risk of this vulnerable gentleman becoming street-homeless, the local Health Outreach Team acted quickly to find interim accommodation and began coordinating with multiple services to work toward a more permanent housing solution. Their search identified an available room at a nearby hotel beginning that same day, but without brokerage funds, the team urgently reached out to Dorcas ACTS for support.

Dorcas ACTS were able to respond rapidly, approving assistance almost immediately and arranging payment of the accommodation invoice directly with the hotel to secure a full week of safe accommodation, allowing the gentleman to remain sheltered while ongoing care and housing supports were organised. In a gesture of kindness, the hotel also welcomed him to wait comfortably in the reception area, offering coffee while his room was prepared.

This fast, coordinated effort between the outreach team, the accommodation provider, and Dorcas ACTS meant that a highly vulnerable older adult was kept safe, warm, and supported during an incredibly stressful period. While longer-term housing solutions are still being pursued through priority pathways, this immediate response prevented the physical and emotional harm that comes with sleeping rough, especially for someone with complex health and mobility needs.

This case highlights the power of collaboration and the impact that timely financial support can have in preventing homelessness. It also reflects the compassion and dedication of frontline workers who mobilise quickly to protect the wellbeing and dignity of those at greatest risk. Through partnerships like these, Dorcas ACTS continues to provide vital support to individuals who need it most. 

Helping those impacted by domestic and family violence

Recently, Dorcas ACTS received a referral for a community member experiencing significant domestic and family violence. After being evicted from their home by the person using violence, the client suddenly found themselves without stable accommodation, no access to their personal finances, and very few belongings. The situation was made even more distressing when the person using violence emptied their shared bank accounts, leaving the client without the means to replace essential items or purchase urgently needed medications they were forced to leave behind.

With other support payments still weeks, and potentially months, away from being approved, the client was facing a frightening gap, one that could have put their safety, health, and sense of stability at even greater risk. Their support worker reached out to Dorcas ACTS requesting emergency assistance to help bridge this critical period.

Dorcas ACTS was able to provide a financial grant to help the client purchase essential medications and meet immediate living needs while safer, longer-term supports are being put in place. This support not only addressed immediate health concerns but also offered a sense of relief and dignity during an overwhelming time. The client expressed deep gratitude for the assistance, sharing how much it meant to feel seen, supported, and able to regain a small measure of stability after such a traumatic experience. 

It is important to Dorcas ACTS that anyone receiving financial assistance is also linked with ongoing services that can continue to support them beyond the initial crisis. We recognise that a one-off grant can provide crucial breathing room, but long-term safety, stability, and recovery come from ongoing professional support. In this case, the client’s connection with a specialist domestic and family violence service ensures they have access to case management, safety planning, emotional support, and pathways to rebuild their independence.

This case highlights how even a modest financial grant, combined with strong support networks, can make a profound difference for someone in crisis, allowing them to meet urgent needs while they work toward longer-term healing and recovery.