Sharlene prefers the little moments in life. You'd often catch her riding the CAT bus, listening to the symphony of rattles and groans. She would get off not at grand destinations, but at quiet corners where she could rest, a silent observer in a busy world. 

If she wasn't on the CAT bus, you could find her in the garden of Koort Boodja (Uniting WA crisis accommodation service), looking for good messages from the willie wagtails, smelling the incense that wafted by from a neighbour, but mostly, trying not to disturb the other people living there. 

Sharlene grew up in an overcrowded home. Sometimes up to ten people living in a two-bedroom house. She had two children while living there, but eventually, the crowded living conditions made it untenable for her to stay and look after them. 

At the age of 23, Sharlene was sleeping rough on the streets, a reality she never let on to her family, least of all her children. Scared most nights, Sharlene began hanging out with other females who were homeless for safety. 
It was with these other women that Sharlene first visited Uniting WA's Tranby Engagement Hub. On the days when they'd run out of money, she knew they could get a feed, a shower, a clean towel and a change of clothes. 

Even while at Koort Boodja, Sharlene still visited Tranby to see "Wendy the Centrelink lady". Wendy is a Services Australia Customer Service Officer working out of Tranby as part of a WA-first pilot to increase accessibility of Centrelink services to people experiencing homelessness.  

It was through Tranby that Sharlene found her way to Koort Boodja. 

With this safety and comfort, it started to feel like she was building towards something. On the streets, even when she found the resources she needed, Sharlene would have to rebuild again when her belongings were taken or ruined. 

At Koort Boodja, she focused on getting blankets, curtains, clothes and other necessities ready for when she had her own home and could finally have her granddaughter over for a visit. 

Sharlene praises the other women she met on the streets for helping her, especially those who had been there longer and shared their wisdom. Sharlene's story is a reminder that sometimes a helping hand and a simple gesture of kindness can change everything.