Bill Smith [not his real name] still struggles with the mental health scars the public housing system left with him.
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When I approach him to hear his story, he turns around, looks me in the eye and says "I have almost given up".
Bill is homeless and doesn't think he has any sort of future anymore.
This man has fallen through the cracks and he tells me he was let down by the system that was meant to support him.
Bill has been homeless for around five years and was once a public housing tenant, but says his experience with the public housing system did more harm than good.
He said the environment was not suitable for a man who wanted to keep to himself and stay away from drugs, threats of violence and crime.
"I just did not feel safe," Bill said.
As he tried to escape the system, Bill's mental health plummeted.
"I just had to move and I ended up staying in a state forest so I would be away from people," he said.
It's humiliating and embarrassing being homeless,
Hearing what he says next is sad and unacceptable.
He talks about the times he stayed in public areas, like reserves, and coming into contact with other people.
The feeling he describes is of being looked down upon and judged.
Bill feels some sections of the community are quick to cast judgment on a homeless person, which just adds to their pain.
"It's humiliating and embarrassing being homeless," he said
"We [homeless people] are the forgotten Australians.
"Nobody should be homeless - unless they want to be."
He thinks many members of the community want to help homeless people but then suggests others just "don't give a shit".
Homeless people are the forgotten Australians. Nobody should be homeless - unless they want to be.
For around three-and-a-half months he has been staying at Ulladulla's Safe Waters.
While grateful for the support, Bill says the shelter is just "too cramped".
He is the type of person who needs his own space.
Ulladulla and other South Coast towns desperately need more places where Bill and those in similar predicaments can find support and a roof over their heads.
Bill, given his past mental scars, fears being back in the public housing system.
He said he wants to be treated as a person that matters - not just a number.
The lack of affordable housing and inadequate pensions are driving the current homelessness crisis, according to Bill.
Numbers to call if you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Headspace 1800 650 890
QLife 1800 184 527
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