CJ’s life looked very different just a few years ago. Born in Brazil, he moved to Australia in 2004 and built a stable life in Brisbane. He was married, running his own transport business and living comfortably in his own home.
But after separating from his wife, CJ decided to move to Sydney in 2019 for a fresh start. Within months, the pandemic hit. He lost his job, had no savings to fall back on, and suddenly found himself completely alone in a new city with no support network.
“I lived in my car for a few weeks,” CJ recalls. “You don’t know where to go or what to do.”
Things quickly spiralled. While sleeping rough and moving between unsafe places, CJ developed severe asthma — something he had never experienced before. The dust, dampness and harsh conditions triggered repeated attacks that landed him in hospital more than 25 times. On one occasion, he nearly died and spent four days in intensive care.
“It doesn’t take that long to find yourself homeless,” he says. “Especially if you don’t have any support.”
For more than three years, CJ drifted between temporary places, couch surfing and sleeping rough while trying to survive physically and mentally. During COVID, he first heard about Wayside Chapel when meals and hygiene packs were delivered to the government-funded accommodation he was staying in.
Eventually, CJ came to Wayside for help.
At first, he admits he was unsure whether anything would really change. “I heard a lot of people say, ‘We’re going to help you,’ and then nothing happens,” he says. “But these guys actually did what they said they were going to do.”
Through Wayside Chapel, CJ was connected to Nate, a care coordinator, who supported him with housing, healthcare and day-to-day survival. Nate helped him navigate the housing system, find emergency accommodation when he had nowhere safe to sleep, and access medical care.
One of the biggest turning points came when Nate connected CJ with a dentist who restored his teeth free of charge — treatment that would have otherwise cost thousands of dollars.
“I don’t think I saw you smile until you had your new teeth,” says Nate. “That says a million words”.
Little by little, CJ began rebuilding his confidence, health and sense of self.
Today, CJ has finally moved into his own place in Bronte — the first stable home he has had in years. While adjusting to independent living again feels overwhelming at times, he says it has changed everything.
“It feels pretty good to have someone in your corner,” he says. “Like a big brother.”
CJ still visits Wayside almost every day — for affordable meals, connection and community. After spending years isolated and largely on his own, simply having people to talk to and a place where he feels welcomed without judgement has been life-changing.
“My health has improved so much,” he says. “I was 12 kilos lighter six months ago.”
Now, CJ is looking toward the future. While his health means he can no longer return to truck driving, he hopes to eventually get back into work and perhaps even help others who have faced similar struggles.
