From homelessness to horticulture: Garry’s story

Supporting people to recover from an experience of homelessness starts with a return to housing, but continues with support to develop or regain personal capacity and community connections. Based on that belief, the Homelessness Recovery Model at Ozanam House was initiated to create opportunities for people to reconnect with their communities and establish new pathways that enable recovery and growth. 

Garry – a former client volunteer, who himself experienced homelessness – has been one of the biggest advocates for creating an inclusive culture to enable and empower people experiencing homelessness. He strongly advocates that focus on housing alone is not enough for people who have experienced homelessness. 

Garry says, “(At VincentCare Victoria) I’ve accessed and learnt to use meditation and mindfulness, and eat things that are healthy for me instead of just going for the easy option. They’re all helping you build yourself back up.” 

He adds: “I’d access just about everything. The Client Volunteer Program has helped me re-engage with people, the art therapy and fitness program – they all helped me. These were all ingredients in making me who I am today.” 

Garry is now proudly a qualified horticulturist and volunteers his time as a community volunteer by hosting gardening groups and guided meditation sessions with residents at Ozanam House. In a heart-warming interview, he talks about his experiences at VincentCare Victoria and volunteering at Ozanam House. You can watch the whole interview here.