Help someone reclaim dignity this Lent
Lenten Appeal
“You work your whole life, pay taxes, raise a family, and look forward to your retirement — the years you hope to rest and enjoy your health. You never imagine homelessness could affect you…until you find yourself in that situation.”
These are the words of John , 69*, who, along with his wife Helen* , 67, found themselves living in their station wagon, with occasional stays in motels and caravan parks when they could afford it — a far cry from the retirement they had dreamed of.
Money wasn’t always plentiful in their home — Helen spent most of her life as a homemaker raising their three children while John worked as a toolmaker — but there was always plenty of love to go around. They never owned a home but were content renting and living within their means on their pension payments. Unfortunately, they had to leave when their landlord decided to sell, and they had no idea the rental market would be so volatile.
“The number of houses in our price range were few and far between, and the number we applied for and missed out on — it was so heartbreaking and really exhausting,” Helen shared.
For a time, they stayed with one of their children, but this wasn’t sustainable due to other family issues. They eventually put their belongings into storage and began an extended period of homelessness. The couple had been considered low priority for community or government accommodation.
“It sounds silly, but one of the hardest things was having to part with our dog, Major,” Helen said. “He’s part of the family. Luckily we could get him rehomed, but it was heartbreaking.”
Being in this situation at their age was something they’d never imagined. “I was so embarrassed, I didn’t want anyone to know,” Helen said.
Having been brought up in the church, Helen turned back to her faith during this time of need and noticed an advertisement for Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief service at Blair Athol. “It was like it was meant to be, wasn’t it?” Helen said to John. The Lutheran Care team swung into action, providing ongoing support over several months, including food, car registration assistance, fuel vouchers, swags, and clothing — helping make their situation in the car as safe and comfortable as possible.
Eventually, the couple secured funding to purchase a caravan, offering them a more stable living arrangement. “It might not seem like much to others, but when we moved into the caravan, it was like we’d won the lottery,” John said. “Somewhere to rest, to keep our things, to feel human again, to feel dignified, you know?”
“We were so grateful for the help, but not only that, the way the Lutheran Care team made us feel. We weren’t different, we weren’t less-than,” Helen said.
*Names changed to protect clients’ privacy.
“At the park where we are staying, there is a lovely playground, and we’ve been able to have visits from our grandkids again,” Helen added.
John and Helen were so thankful for the Lutheran Care’s support, they invited the Emergency Relief volunteers to visit their new home. “We’d been through a lot together and we wanted them to see just how happy we were and what we’d been able to achieve with their help,” John said. There were tears all round.
John and Helen continue to be connected with Lutheran Care, and are learning from the Financial Counselling team about benefits they may be eligible for and budgeting tips to help them continue improving their situation. The team also tracked down an unclaimed payment of John’s from a previous bank, totalling a couple of hundred dollars. “That’s a year’s worth of birthday presents for the grandkids right there, and we didn’t even know,” John said, smiling. “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported Lutheran Care. Without their help, we’d still be in the car, stressed and worn down. Now, it’s like we’re new people with another chance to be happy.”
This Lent, you can help an SA family reclaim their dignity. Even the smallest gift can make a big impact. Please, consider what you can go without this Lent, and give generously to help someone back on their feet.
Lutheran Care
How You Can Help
Did you know, if you give up two large take away coffees a week, at the end of Lent you will have saved around $60?
$60 can feed a family for a week through our Emergency Relief pantry.
Or, it can pay for a client’s one-hour appointment with a Counsellor to pass on important, life changing skills and confidence.
All donations $2 and above are tax deductible.
Thank you for your support.
Lenten Appeal 2026
40 Day Challenge
If you’re giving something up for Lent, you might consider turning that commitment into an opportunity to support Lutheran Care — by fundraising as part of your 40-day journey, or by making a donation in lieu of what you’re giving up.
Why not take part in the 40 Day Challenge with your family, school or church community?
Crisis Relief and Early Intervention Programs
Donate today
"In the past year Emergency Relief has provided support at 2755 crisis relief appointments across South Australia and the Northern Territory"
Your donation will help us support vulnerable families and individuals in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
- $25 - will help stock up Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief pantry.
- $60 - funds a vulnerable person’s one-hour appointment with a Counsellor.
- $75 - can provide groceries to feed a family in crisis for a week.
- $150 - can support the playgroups and crèche services at our Family Zone hub, so children can be engaged and supervised whilst their parents change their lives by accessing programs that can help prevent homelessness such as financial counselling, mental health support or a parenting education program.
- $300 - can help us provide additional support to people experiencing complex issues such as homelessness, domestic or family violence, mental health concerns and more.
LLL Australia are proud supporters of Lutheran Care.
