From homelessness to honeymoon
Newlyweds Dave and Paula have been married in Brisbane, surrounded by their new Streetlevel ‘family’. (Photo courtesy of Streetlevel Brisbane)
“My favourite part was watching her walk down the aisle, and hearing her say ‘I do”,” says Dave, who married Paula surrounded by their new-found “family” at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission.
“She means everything to me.”
After living on the streets of Sydney and struggling in a caravan park in Brisbane, the couple has found hope and a future at Streetlevel. And, thanks to the generous support from Streetlevel and the Brisbane High Rise Rotary Club, the couple had a wedding and honeymoon they had only ever dreamed of.
On Saturday 14 September, Major Bryce Davies, Streetlevel Team Leader, married Dave and Paula at a ceremony at The Salvation Army Recovery Services, Moonyah, chapel in Brisbane.
A reception followed at Streetlevel, where their many supporters had decorated tables, prepared a wedding feast, arranged entertainment and organised two nights at a Gold Coast resort for the couple’s honeymoon.
“I absolutely loved every minute of it and enjoyed myself heaps,” says Paula. “We are so appreciative of everything everyone did, and send a huge thank you to everyone. “
Dave agrees. “It was excellent, really good and incredible,” he says.
Dave and Paula came to Streetlevel with nothing. Staff and volunteers there helped them secure a place to live, and supported them through Paula’s pregnancy and the birth of the couple’s first child, little Robert.
“Through Streetlevel we have found hope, stability, and a wonderful big family,” says Paula.
It wasn’t always like this for Dave and Paula.
Dave endured regular beatings as he grew up and as a teenager turned to smoking, drinking and other “bad stuff”. He lived in a juvenile detention centre, a boys’ home and on the streets.
Paula grew up in a household dominated by domestic violence, fear and abuse.
Eventually Paula left home, but went straight into an abusive relationship. She moved to crisis accommodation in Sydney where she met Dave.
The couple moved to Queensland where they came into contact with Majors Bryce and Sue Davies, and Streetlevel.
“Streetlevel has given us more than physical assistance – the people there have given us a brand new family and a brand new life,” says Paula.
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