Born in Pakistan, 18-year-old Ali Sulaimani moved to Adelaide with his family in 2019.
But like many adolescents, Ali found himself locking horns with his father and at the age of 13 he left home and lived on the streets. Eventually, he found his way to the UnitingSA Port Youth Crisis Accommodation.
Supported by donations which help with household essentials, Port Youth Crisis Accommodation provides a refuge for young people aged 15 to 18, who are experiencing homelessness.
“The last few years were a scary time for me,” Ali says candidly.
“I wasn’t thinking straight – everything was new here.
“I had too much freedom too quickly and started to clash with my father. He was very strict and I didn’t want my brothers to turn out like me. I had nowhere to go but I got in touch with Multicultural Youth SA (MYSA) and they connected me to UnitingSA.”
Port Youth Crisis Accommodation is a place where young people are heard and supported to set goals, reconnect with education or employment and get their lives on track.
Ali says he is now feeling safe and secure and enjoying independence in transitional housing found with the help of UnitingSA.
Living in the western suburbs and studying for his construction industry white card, Ali’s aim is to become an electrician.
“UnitingSA and the people there I worked with most helped me get through everything and get the supports I needed, they gave me hope and encouragement, got me positive to stay at school.
“They’re like friends and I can tell them anything.”
Ali says it’s been a long and difficult path to get where he is now – living independently and enjoying a better relationship with his family.
“It takes time – be patient, ask for help,” he says.
“Talk to people you trust and believe in yourself.”