Christine Campbell was a 15-year-old when she fled her home, after the promise to relocate to Melbourne and live a better life didn’t work out.
After being exposed to family violence, she made the difficult decision to run away from her home.
Now a West Footscray woman, Ms Campbell has reconnected with charity Lighthouse Foundation, to share her story of overcoming homelessness.
“I was 15 years old living in the Fitzroy commission housing flats with my mum, we migrated from the Philippines to join my father and my brother who were already here,” she said.
“We came here in late June, and it was soon after that that we fled my dad’s home.”
Ms Campbell went to her local police station to ask for help, where she was referred to a refuge for adults.
She stayed there for six weeks until one of the carers there informed her about Lighthouse Foundation.
Lighthouse Foundation is a Melbourne charity which specialises in helping young people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
“I stayed with the foundation from 15 until I turned 19,” she said.
After thriving under Lighthouse’s care, Ms Campbell said she was able to turn her life around.
Now aged 37 with two children and a successful career, she dedicates herself to giving back to her local community, with a particular focus on supporting lighthouse.
“Two years ago I contacted them and said everything has settled down now and I am in a good place to share my story,” she said.
“I want to help lighthouse, I can share my lived experience to to help raise awareness of what vulnerable young people experience and the ways they can seek support.”
“I want people to know, although they have come from a traumatic past , their past doesn’t equal their future.”
Jennifer Pittorino
