Surviving on the streets: A digital history journey created by people who have lived without shelter

Welcome to this unique digital history journey, which consists of stories from people who – when they were young – lived in Adelaide’s parks, beaches, youth shelters, cars and caravan parks. This project was initiated and facilitated by Terence Connellan, who experienced unsheltered life for many years.

The stories include insights into the history of Adelaide, while also enriching local knowledge and understanding of what it’s like to live without regular or secure shelter.

Importantly, the process of generating these videos has enabled participants to tell strong stories of getting through hard times, thus celebrating their skills and unique knowledges. People whose experiences are often otherwise seen through a lens of deficit, or not seen or heard at all, share their own stories here in their own ways.

Intriguingly, this digital history journey also highlights diverse experiences of familiar locations. We are invited to see Adelaide through a different lens.

Now it’s your turn to contribute

We invite you to watch the videos and then add your comments and reflections at the bottom of this page. Thanks!

What’s more, if you have experiences of living an unsheltered life in Adelaide and would like to contribute your perspective – or you know someone who might like to – please contact us via email: dcp@dulwichcentre.com.au

Terence can be contacted directly via: tc.narrativetherapy@gmail.com

Note: At the bottom of this page you will also find an audio file of an interview with Wendy Malycha, who until very recently was the CEO of St John’s Youth Services (SJYS). This interview – ‘The day the shelters closed was the best day of my life’ –  provides a key social history perspective on responses to youth homelessness in South Australia.