Elysia* chose to share her journey from working professional to homeless with the Manning River Times and the community learned of her story on World Homeless Day on October 10.

The insight into her life as a woman living in crisis, and the events that led to her sleeping in a car, couch surfing, and creating a home with no running water or power from kerbside rubbish, secured a national audience through Australian Community Media (ACM).

Closer to home in the Manning-Great Lakes, Port Macquarie and Kempsey regions, local residents gave voice to their reactions on social media.

Thousands of people read the story, hundreds shared the story across ACM platforms, and it forms part of a series that seeks to increase public awareness of homelessness in the region, and to increase community empathy and engagement with the vulnerable men, women and families who are living in crisis.

Issues raised in the community comments include the lack of affordable housing, the lack of social housing, the need for the federal government to increase the Newstart Allowance payment, many also chose to express admiration for Elysia's resilience, with some seeking to provide personal help to the 56-year-old woman.

"Are we a third world country?" asked Pattie Hogan. "Reading this you would think so. Newstart is not enough for anyone to survive on if they are paying rent. Very sad state of affairs that this lady could not be provided with the help she needs; a safe and secure affordable place to live."

Kay Moore shared that she "was amazed at the number of homeless older women I saw on a recent trip to Adelaide."

"From what I read, sadly this is a quickly increasing demographic across Australia," Kay said.

Kathryn Davies believes "there is not enough help for everyone."

"The lucky few may get help but it doesn't sound like she chose to be homeless. Neither did another older lady I met in Taree. She too previously had a well paid job. I am also on Newstart but at least I have a roof over my head, for now."

Kristeen McNab Fordham shared that she has family living with her as there "are no cheap rentals here in the Manning, and if something comes up it says no pets. Australia needs cheaper housing, not one size fits all when it comes to Centrelink."

Jake Horsburgh suggested that "there's going to be tent cities everywhere soon the way things are going", and Haylie Ryan agreed with his prediction.

"Sadly I have to agree! Living with just everyday things is hard enough. This is all just ridiculous," Haylie said."Most people like myself live week-to-week. How the hell will we ever get anywhere?!"

Carolyn Stewart believes there is need for greater government support.

"We should be looking after our own people. Why isn't the federal government building homeless shelters, or at least community soup kitchens to feed not only the homeless, but also kids that are starving from lack of parental care."

Further north, Port Macquarie News readers overwhelmingly expressed admiration for Elysia.

"What a remarkable woman!" Alecia Moy said. "I hope this article helps to gain awareness for all homeless and some help for the woman it's about."

"What a beautiful person. The strength she has to survive ... she is proof on how you can live ... love this story," Carol Harvey said.

Margot Pickering commented "the resilience shown by this woman is remarkable and it shows that this could be any one of us, her circumstances have led her to this. Yet we have to ask ourselves - where is the help? What is our government doing to help people in this situation, and more importantly, what is our government doing to prevent people ending up homeless!"

*Name changed to protect privacy

If you are vulnerable or know someone who is, the following list of service providers can offer professional help and support.

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