Messages for Rebecca

After reading Rebecca's Story (http://www.homeless.org.au/people/rebecca.htm), you are invited to post a message of support for her or make a comment in this thread.

Simply register as a member (http://forums.homeless.org.au/register.php) of the forums and reply to this message.

Im just interested to know how the people whos stories are featured on the website are doing...do they live with you at rebecca's place?...have they moved on to better or different things in life...are they still homeless....

i dont mean to sound so nosey...but im reallly interested in how they are doing..

Andrew is dead, as his story says. Jazmin's story has been updated and she is doing really well. Gish lives with us and is going great, still putting in the hard yards - see his journal. Melissa I haven't heard from in some time. Rebecca is not going so well at the moment and I am always worried for her but she is still alive and making some positive choices, some self destructive ones too. Other people who have stayed with us that you see amongst the photos are spread out around the country and we keep in regular phone contact.

HI there and please tell Rebecca that readers out there are thinking good thoughts about her. She's a brave person to be going on every day.

I wonder, Dominic, is there an agreement from the streeties to have their story and photos up on the web full time? Do you give them an option to choose pseudonyms or to remove photos if they are not travelling well and maybe want a bit of anonyminity? I guess I was just thinking of things such as streeties who move interstate and want a fresh break (or to lie low). How do you deal with these considerations? I'm sure its very flexible and that the people you feature maintain control over there images and stories before you publish things but just hoping you can provide your guidelines so others can reflect on them if they decide to do something similar etc. (such as sk8r girl mentioned asking chanel 9 to blur her image).

Very good point. I get permission from people to use photos as I take them and stories are read over and signed off on by the people they are about. In most cases names are changed including 'Rebeccas' or they are 'street names.' Jaz sent her photos in.

Getting permission to use photos and stories is very very difficult unless you have a long standing relationship with people and are well trusted. We get requestes pretty much once a week to use photos for one thing or another - even requests from big brand name charities to use them for tv commercials and mass mailed winter appeals. Obviously I say 'no' to such requests. Often these places end up having to get actors pose or use staff to pose for photos and personal stories are 'generic' crap made up by someone in their marketing department.

I get permission because I've earnt my name on the street over a decade and am respected and pay very careful attention of how and where and when and by who they are used.

Hmmm. Ive been thinking for a while and I can't really think of anything to say that doesn't end up sounding wrong.

And imagine the things that happen in your life that aren't so great, think of how @#$#ed you'd be if you had no family around.

You can't really relate and what could you say that would be comforting or provide hope that doesn't sound condescending to Rebecca?

Right now all I can think of is parroting what someone else posted - that the readers are thinking good thoughts about her.

Actually I'll need an insight from Dominic, I'll say that too
:rolleyes:

Anyone there?

Don't worry about walking on egg shells or sounding silly, if you want to post a message of support or a comment just feel free to.

Otherwise, we will just take your post as a message of support from someone who read the story and took the time to offer their positive regards.

Hi
I'm Kurt. I was thinking about ya just recently and I thought I'd better send ya something personal than the homogenised "ah yeh, someone posted something nice in that chat room for ya".

I do know what it's like to be overwhelmed with emotion and to think that no one cares or would miss you if you were gone for days and months and years on end. Then the societal pressures and expectations on top of that - people with no idea of your feelings, principles or intellect giving you advice; and of course the people who would have nothing to do with you if it wasnt their job to do so.

Certainly not fun and doesnt come recommended. --- I was going to continue to make a point or something but that's pretty much where I'm at. Needless to say I dont feel bright now! :rolleyes:
Hmmm, Im stuck now coz I dont wanna talk about my crap... :o

I CAN say you're quite attractive in that photo where you are sitting on the stairs and that I'd bash ya mum's boyfriend and kick him in the nuts!

Would be nice if ya could let us know if you're still alive... :)
Cya

She's still alive. Thanks for your post.

I wz deepli tuched by this stori becoose i have bean to jail for vagranci.
I just stole a computa and now cab talk to yu.

Yeh Rebecca can send me a message too if she wants btw.

Becks story was touching. Really has changed the way I judge people and their problems. Tell her thank you for being so brave to share her story with us. To be able to pick her life and move on and not just give up is a real credit to her. :) Wish many people who have more than her could do the same.

Please give us an update on her and let us know how she is going now. Also is there anyone else who is brave enough to share their stories with us. They are very interesting and have opened my eyes and touched my heart.

:) Hey, Just wanted to write you and let you know, you are not alone. I don't know who or what your told out there, But there's a man named Jesus, that loved you enough to die for you. If you ask him into your heart, He will take the pain way, and you will never have to hurt yourself ever!!!!. I have been in a place where I had nowhere to go, three kids. One day I went to church, found Jesus and I have never been the same. Will everything be great all at once, no, it takes time, just like it took to get where you are. I care about you and if it's ok, I will pray for you everyday. I hope you take this from my heart to yours and just try. I promise if you have the faith to believe, he will meet you where you are. I'm living proof of that. Talk to you later. God bless you!!!! :) Kim

Is Rebecca still on the streets? How old would she be now?

:) Hey, Just wanted to write you and let you know, you are not alone. I don't know who or what your told out there, But there's a man named Jesus, that loved you enough to die for you. If you ask him into your heart, He will take the pain way, and you will never have to hurt yourself ever!!!!. I have been in a place where I had nowhere to go, three kids. One day I went to church, found Jesus and I have never been the same. Will everything be great all at once, no, it takes time, just like it took to get where you are. I care about you and if it's ok, I will pray for you everyday. I hope you take this from my heart to yours and just try. I promise if you have the faith to believe, he will meet you where you are. I'm living proof of that. Talk to you later. God bless you!!!! :) Kim
A sweet sentiment, but you are assuming she hasn't already done this.

Is Rebecca still on the streets? How old would she be now?
Yes she is, and funny you should ask she turns 21 next month.

Oh!

Well I'll say happy 21st now anyway for October.



WAITING FOR YOU TO TURN 21:
http://mstu.cz/~bozek/obrazky/Animals/sumatran%20tiger%20cubs.jpg

Bye
Kurt

Wow! That's a nice photo, they're quite adorable.

Regards,
Konstantìn

hello everyone,

my name is christie. i dont know exactly what to write and have been sitting on this message for a good ten minutes now. i fear that i will say something politically incorrect.

i really liked reading Gish's story and would like to say thanku to him for sharing what must have been a dificult story to tell, but i think that when people read it they will beable to relate and find comfort in the way it is truthfully written.

i look forward to reading everyones comments and will visit this site regularily, i only wish that i had known of it ealier.

bye for now, christie

Happy 21st for Monday Rebecca, will hopefully see you this week.

Dom, did you see Rebecca for her birthday? How was she going? Are things looking up for her? :)

Just want to wish Rebecca all the best on her journey. We have been placed in this world and unfortunately to many have not been given the chance to grow up in a safe and secure enviroment. I hope she is well and I wish there were more people like you guys! Keep up with giving them support and an opportunity of feeling a sense of belongingness!

Dom, did you see Rebecca for her birthday? How was she going? Are things looking up for her? :)
I wasn't able to actually. I haven't heard from her in a while so hopefully all is well.

Rebecca, your story was touching and brings back many memories of my own. I only hope that I may find people as kind as those who have intervened in your situation. I am affected by hurricane Katrina, and can find NO ONE to help!!! :( MIKE

Dom, Rebecca talks of her younger sister in her story and her mum. Do you know if she sees them at all? Also why didnt DHS step in in this case? It might be a stupid question just wondering. Is her sister still stuck in that home?

Hi everyone, I'm Rebecca :cool: Dom just registered me in the forums (finally!).

I'm currently on the streets in Brisbane and did get to see my fam on christmas day for the first time in ages.

Thanks for all the messages of support it is apreciated. I'm not use to people paying attention to me like this but there you go.

I'm not very comuter savvy but will try to check the forums and get into it and learn what buttons do what and all that shite.

Bye for now.

How are ya Rebecca , big welcome . :D :D :D
Thats not bad having messages before you joined. :cool:
Look forward to talking to you. :D

Welcome, Rebecca!! :D

'Bout time you arrived... :cool:

cheers howz life treatin ya? me im surviving as always im glad 2 catch up with dom and he has shown me all the forum etc done a good job i feel really special 2 b able 2 c and read bout myself and all my family its weird too though.anyway thanks 4 the reply gota cruise i hope 2 have regular visits here in the future and get 2 know everyone betta i wont b a stranger talk l8er

Well, somehow you don't feel like a stranger, because I know your name so well, and I've read your story, of course. But I've never left a message for you, because I could never think of anything intelligent to say. :o I hope we don't feel like strangers to you for too long.

Cheers, Rose. :D :D :D

Great to hear from you Rebecca! Hope all is well and you had a good christmas with your family. Cant wait to get to know you.

Anz32

Great to see you on the forums Rebecca. :) It's a bit weird but we kinda all know your story but we are strangers to you. Hopefully you will get the time to read the threads and posts and learn more about us. Hope to see you around. :)

*sigh*

I guess I'm too late?

*lengthens characters so message board doesnt pose a fuss*

hey Rebecca
Its great that you are now on the forums after reading your story and being able to put words to a name (if you get wot I mean)..thats great that you got to catch up wiv ur fam for xmas, good1..stay strong and stay in contact with us all, happy 21st, your legal everywhere now (haha)..x

magenta :)

**** Is she back yet? Just wonderin ****

I figure I'll leave a message not sure if she'll see it or not.
But, your story is very encouraging, I showed it to a friend, we both were in awe, I really do hope you are okay, and that lifes turned for the better (for the most part atleast). Dont ever forget you are a beautiful, and wise girl, and your story has pulled at a lot of heartstings..

*starts singing* just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming*

I spoke with Rebecca tonight and should be able to again tomorrow so I'll ask her to visit the forums again and say hi.

I've added two short clips from a video interview I did with Jazmin and Rebecca (on the right) click the link at the end of Rebeccas Story (http://www.homeless.org.au/people/rebecca.htm). You do need high speed internet connection though.

After reading Rebecca's Story (http://www.homeless.org.au/people/rebecca.htm), you are invited to post a message of support for her or make a comment in this thread.

Simply register as a member (http://forums.homeless.org.au/register.php) of the forums and reply to this message.
Hey, this is Anito from the German borderline. Tell Rebecca - I don`t know what precisely. Make it clear to her, that now she is on my mind. I am gonna found a band and there will be at least one song for and on her, if she admits.

Which kind of music would she like it to be put in?

She must not forget me anymore, whatever dark hole she wants to sink into, there will be that song on her.

Please ask her, what tunes she`d like it to be put in. Heavy guitars? Slow and fading sounds?

She must reflect on that. Believe a German invisible like me. Maybe she likes to see my lightwall, the home I am living in, wherever I may roam: wemsonstalsdir.net

Best wishes,
Anito

I'm 13 going on 14 and I have a friend who went through a lot of things that were horrible!! She never has the best attitude and sometimes takes things out on other people but i still stay there because i know she needs someone!!..I really hope that where you are you are ok now. You seem like a wonderful girl and just someone who needs some comfort and someone to love you!!..I really hope that you do find that in life because you can still make the best of it!!...i wish you THE BEST OF LUCK!!!.....=]]]

Rebecca, you are in my prayers. I wish the best for you. I can't say that I understand what you are going through, but I do know how hard everything can be especially when you may feel that no one is there for you. Just having someone to listen to you can sometimes make a world of difference, and it sounds like Dominic is one of those people. I'm sure most ppl on this forum, including me, will listen anytime you need someone. Sometimes life really does suck, and more often than not, the bad things happen to the good people. I guess all we can do is try to make the best out of a bad situation.

thinking of you. love bubblez give me a call. get the number of dom

I spoke with her yesterday and things are looking positive for the new year.

Hi Rebecca ...

I've got little to say .. (most unlike me) .. As you are probably aware I'm one of the moderators on the forums, and I'm a streetie. I thought this might be a nice time to say hello .. ! I hope that you get around to reading this ...:)

Nothing can undo the past for any of us ... but with some good people coming together as we do on the forums there is hope for many in the future.

Can you send me a smile ... ?

Hello-

In reading over one of my daughter's homeschooling projects, I came across "your" site and was moved by it.

In the past I've worked in counseling and social work. My daughter (16) and I left the U.S. in 7/05 to travel and volunteer throughout Asia. We are currently living in China (the past 6 months) and are getting ready to head back to South Korea. I have decided to not return to the U.S. as I feel I can help more over here.

Anyways, what I wanted to say to you is that while not many people can truly understand what you and others have lived through, we honestly do feel for you a great deal. While this might not seem like much - especially coming from a complete stranger - please know that it is sincere.

In my travels I have seen such horrible conditions for children and women -primarily. I was astonished, and still am with each new country, each time when I see the same people day after day begging, yet with smiles on their faces and words of kindness for those passing by them. Granted, some of these people are playing mind games, but some are not. They are simply grateful to be alive.

My daughter and I have seen children in India living under cars and trucks and beggars who are pregnant having been raped by the people they are asking for help. We have worked with tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and felt mortified and helpless in the midst of so much tragedy, but the people themselves, while grieving horribly, were still happy to be alive.

Yet, the only thing that seems to make sense in all of this is that we help others. Maybe you are thinking, why should I help others when I can't even help myself? Well, believe it or not, by giving, you truly do come to feel better and more alive and more able to make sense of this world and why things happen to people. I am not a religious person, but am spiritual. By no means am I pushing religion, or anything like it, on you.

By reaching out to others, we help ourselves heal and hopefully forget about all the hurt and pain and humiliation we have lived through. Be better than the idiots who tried to destroy your spirit. Throw it back in their faces - let them someday see that you are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Take all your pain and confusion and self-hate and do something wonderful for others and in the process, yourself.

Please try it and see what you think. Try not to waste another day feeling sorry for yourself and things you had no control over and will probably never be able to understand. Leave these feelings where they belong - in your past.

Much Love :)

hey everyone! my name is emmy and i have never had anything to do with homelessness in my life. i am extremly lucky and live with both my parents in a nice house oppisite the beach, go to school and just have a great life and reading these stories has inspired me greatly.

as i said i have never had anything to do with homelessness but i had a school project, thats what lead me to your site dom, and its great. i really want to help! what can i do around the south coast area?

Rebecca, you have just amazed me unbelievably!! i cant believe someone has gone through so much and can still get back on their feet! you are an incredible person who can rouse not only your fellow homelesss people but to us who are lucky enough to not have to go through what you did.

you are amazing!! love em:) :D

I feel terribly sorry for Rebecca :)

My 8 year old son and I have been living in stanislaus county for about 4 years, 2-3rds of that time we have been homeless. there is one shelter for families here. You get 14 days, then your out for 6 months. I'm trying to get us back to upper Northern California, but it seems hopeless. I can't even get the few things we own transported. Ive got family here but all their noses are up in the air. I love my son, and want a stable life for him and I. If anyone out there has any ideas, contact me at doc_hutchins@yahoo.com, or my cell# 209 496-4661.

Peace out,
doc

Hang in there Reb........That which does not kill us....Just makes us stronger. I know many people with very sad stories. My story is pretty bad. All that just makes me want to try harder.....You are worth it.....never give up !!!!

I will be off line for awhile, and I can't say when I'll be back. I will be back on metro pcs e-mail if I must. Time will tell.
peace,
doc

good luck with everything doc and take care hope to see you post again as soon as u can. hope ur ok

hi, very insprational and also sad, it sounds like all u guys there are doing a great job..... i come frm a diffrent back ground have never been homeless and have been lucky to have a good family that never gave up on me, though i know that ive felt the same hopelessness and had no self worth alot of other things whch i wont mention here but ive pulled through and its still work in progress, but the sun is shining and its a new day every day, well done Rebecca and to the rest of your crew keep up the good work.

Dear Rebecca,

I am an international high school student. I read your story, and I think it is sad. I have some questions. First, why did you use drugs the first time?
Second, why did you cut yourself? I am from Japan, and there are many homeless people in my country.

from,

Hiroki

Hello Rebecca,

I have a couple of days of experience on the streets when I left my home at 15 (I'm 38 now). Both my sisters have been on and off the streets. One is a recovering heroin adict living with my mother. She's doing well now, btw, since the family has done a good job of coming around to rally for her. Just wish we could turn back the clock and do some things differently. But we can't. All we can do is go forward from where we are now.

Anyway, you said you would cut yourself so as to mask the emotional pain with physical pain. Now I'm wondering what you do? Do you have any hobbies? Anything you like to do that you are passionate about? Have you set some goals for yourself and tried to think about where you might like to see yourself in a year or two years?

Good luck to you, Rebecca. Kind Regards.

hi rebecca, i can see ur life's been pretty crap till now, and i know it's hard to get urself out of that, but there are ppl that care for u, like dom, and im sure everyone here that's read your post. the ppl that hurt u in the past arent worth u harming urself, u have your whole life ahead of u and it will get better.plz dont give up, and if u feel u have no one u can talk to, try me. hugs, jimbob

hey girl hang in there, everything will be alright

hay im just interested in the stories people write about them selves:):):):D:D:D
and yeah rebecca its alryte ive seen worse mah fwnd!!!
big upzz!!

Dear Dominic

I am a student from Liverpool University and i am doing an assignment on homelessness. I came across this website and read Rebecca's story. I have to be honest and say that i have never really given a thought about homeless people beofre now and the reasons why they have come to be like that, like most people in society i was ignorant to them and their problems. But reading Rebecca's story has opened my eye's and my feelings to their situations. As i am getting older i am beginning to see the world from different angles and perspectives, and in that time i have come to realise that life is'nt just about money and the consumer driven life that we live, but instead it's about the people around you, the experiences and giving support to those in need.

Please could you give Rebecca a message from me and it's that, in her story she talks about having no confidence but i think she's probably one of the most bravest people i have ever come across, having to go through what has happened to her! and in that bravery of her's that is confidence itself, and with that theres always hope.

Thank you

Thank you for sharing your story. I don't tell everyone about everything that happened to me and why I became homeless. But, I to have my tale to tell. I am not out there any more. I found people to love me, when I could not even love myself. In the rooms of AA. I don't know how they could, I was not a nice person when I got there. They gave me my life back. A family I never really had. I even like myself a little, today. It has been a long road, but my friend and my sister I understand and I love you. We are the same and we are one. Forever your friend! I care.

To Tom Reece, a great web site for you study is nationalhomeless.org good luck it has lots of info.

Thank you for sharing your story. I don't tell everyone about everything that happened to me and why I became homeless. But, I to have my tale to tell. I am not out there any more. I found people to love me, when I could not even love myself. In the rooms of AA. I don't know how they could, I was not a nice person when I got there. They gave me my life back. A family I never really had. I even like myself a little, today. It has been a long road, but my friend and my sister I understand and I love you. We are the same and we are one. Forever your friend! I care.

good on you detroitlady thats what happened to me, however not everyone on here is an alkie,sometimes i wish they were as the best help ive seen so far is grow australia, and AA.

I just wanted to say thankyou to Rebecca and Rebeccas Community.

I hit the streets when I was 15. That was 25 years and 3 children ago, and all thanks to people like you who care that I am doing way better than I ever thought possible.

Rebecca - no matter what else you choose to do in your life from now on, you have contributed to society in a really special, meaningful and lasting way by sharing your story here, and by keeping hold of the special part of you that allows you to be so generous and caring.

Rebeccas Community - Thankyou to all the members of this beautiful, caring community. Without you a lot of us would never make it. (and I know this for fact, because I know where I came from and where I am at now!), it isnt just the staff and volunteers (who are amazingly awesome!), its also the other homeless. The whole 'Community'. Thankyou for being, for hanging in there and for giving something back.

M

good on you detroitlady thats what happened to me, however not everyone on here is an alkie,sometimes i wish they were as the best help ive seen so far is grow australia, and AA.

Detroitlady- You missed the whole thing. AA is not about drinking or druging! It teaches people how to live, love our-selfs so I can love others. We do it together as a family. It is not all drinkers. People who need help, along the way. To teach that there is something bigger then me or you. God! A relationship with Him. There is no greater love. Please, don't call people names, it is not nice. Thank you.

Detroitlady- You missed the whole thing. AA is not about drinking or druging! It teaches people how to live, love our-selfs so I can love others. We do it together as a family. It is not all drinkers. People who need help, along the way. To teach that there is something bigger then me or you. God! A relationship with Him. There is no greater love. Please, don't call people names, it is not nice. Thank you.

who did i call who, what. i dont get your point. cheers