For many people, the journey to stable housing is filled with uncertainty and challenges. For Sonia, this journey led her through periods of hardship, homelessness, and constant moving, before finding support and stability at Aboriginal Hostel Limited’s (AHL) Mackay Hostel in Queensland (QLD).
Arriving at Mackay Hostel in March 2025, Sonia, originally from Cloncurry QLD, was seeking a safe and stable environment after years of couch surfing and homelessness.
Sonia’s goal was to find a home that offered security and a better quality of life. Over the next 6 months, Mackay Hostel became more than just a temporary shelter – it became a place where she could regroup, plan, and work towards a brighter future.
Reflecting on her experience, Sonia shared, ‘I felt safe at the hostel, it felt like home, and it gave me the opportunity to be able to look for a more stable home for myself.’
While AHL is set up to provide temporary accommodation for First Nations people, residents often end up needing to stay at our hostels longer than expected.
The Mackay Hostel team, led by Hostel Manager Kelly Beckley and Assistant Hostel Manager Elisha Morrison, played a pivotal role in supporting Sonia’s transition into a housing commission home she can now call her permanent home.
To achieve this goal, Kelly and Elisha had proactive discussions with Sonia, and with local support services, to assist the transition to long-term options. The Mackay Hostel Team regularly contacted Community Accommodation Support Agency (CASA) in Mackay, building relationships with key staff such as Team Leader Sarah and Support Worker Nikita.
Through meetings and ongoing communication, the hostel staff gained valuable insights into CASA’s Immediate Housing Response (IHR) programs, which they shared with residents approaching the 3-month mark at the hostel, including Sonia.
During this time, Sonia was put forward as a potential CASA program participant, which can lead to being selected for permanent housing. All candidates are required to meet CASA’s conditions.
The hostel team provided information, encouragement, and practical support, helping Sonia while she took the initiative to meet CASA’s requirements, including weekly meetings with the agency.
The significance of moving from temporary accommodation to a permanent home cannot be overstated. When Sonia moved out of the hostel, first to a motel provided by CASA, and then into her own home, her success became a beacon of hope for other residents.
‘A more permanent home can bring wellness to someone’s entire existence,’ said Kelly Beckley.
The positive outcome reinforced AHL’s vision, Kelly added: ‘Our vision is to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations people – this is what we are striving for.’
For Sonia, the support she received was life changing. She describes her new place as her ‘forever home,’ a testament to the stability and hope she has found.
While AHL does not manage housing placements for residents, Sonia’s case highlights the positive outcomes for AHL’s residents when organisations work together to support those in need.
The story doesn’t end with Sonia. During a recent visit, she invited Kelly, Elisha, and representatives from CASA and local government, to see her new home. The visit also brought news of a new housing block with one to 3-bedroom apartments available soon, catering for young single parents and families in need.
When reflecting on Sonia’s journey, Hostel Manager Kelly highlights the importance of AHL’s work, ‘Being a part of this journey with Sonia has just reinforced AHL’s vision and values.’ Sonia’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and the life-changing impact of stable housing.
For more information about our Mackay accommodation, please visit AHL’s Mackay Hostel webpage.
