Meet Jade and Arlo

Meet Jade and Arlo

Jade and Arlo are living in a motel

Jade is 24 years old and mum to Arlo, born 20 July 2025.

Upon facing homelessness while pregnant Jade was referred to Micah Projects by a social worker at Mater Hospital. She also engaged with Zig Zag, one of the many services in Brisbane responding to the needs of women.

At that time, Jade was living with her best mate and family when the owners of the house they were living in decided to sell up. Jade was receiving government assistance of $800 per fortnight, not enough to provide options.

Jade is currently living with Arlo in crisis hotel accommodation. It’s not suitable. It’s not hygienic, it’s not a place to raise a newborn. Not for anyone, not for a new mum.

At the hotel, she faces challenges. People treat her differently as they do other people who seem more accepted.

“Everyone deserves basic respect, a place to live, meals and water,” she says.

Jade has been on the social housing wait list for the past 12 months. Nobody ever contacts her. She knows she’s but a number.

Kate Woodhouse, Jade’s Micah Projects support worker, has been by Jade’s side. She said housing has been a “waiting game” for Jade.

“Housing has been such a big stressor, yet Jade remains resilient.”

“Seeing Jade with bub as been wonderful to see.”

“Micah has been providing practical support while Jade has been in crisis accommodation, getting things for bub, and helping with legal support.

Jade is determined to give Arlo a chance at life, a chance that she never had. Jade lived in foster care since she was 11 years of age. The reality is that this means group homes.

“Nobody wants older children.”

Jade is alone and doesn’t have the support of family.

Just like any new Mum, Jade faces the challenge of tiredness, overwhelm and at times she just wants to ring someone.

Jade reflects on watching the show “House” and she said to Arlo “you better become a doctor and buy me a house when you get older”.

“I’m sure when Arlo is 10 he’ll be taller than me, I’ll be looking up to him and telling him to sit down."

This is what she wants for Arlo, for him to have opportunity, education, and stability where he can be all he can.

Jade hopes for a house, apartment, somewhere that’s sustainable, somewhere where she can find structure for Arlo and herself, where she can maintain her connections with healthcare and services that will help her with Arlo’s development as he grows.

Today, Arlo is bustling at 6kgs and he’s outgrown his carrier. His legs are strong. He’s active, vibrant and taking in his surroundings.

As Arlo grows, Jade wants to give him a bike, a Christmas tree, something she never had.

Jade says she good at making places feel homely and wants to make a place for Arlo.

“I want to make somewhere home.”

At safe and secure home would also mean Jade could be secure and stable enough to go to TAFE where she would like to do a sterilisation course, previously she worked as a wardie at hospital.

For Arlo’s future she says she wants him to grow into “whatever he wants”.
Kate says that Jade focusses on what she can control, she’s resilient, blossoming as a mum and it’s wonderful to witness. She knows what she wants, she’s resilient, so many moment of stress. Jade embraced all of this with her baby.

“Whatever happens, Jade has Arlo’s interests as her priority. She will do all she can, within her means, to give him the life he deserves.”

Maybe Arlo, if he had the opportunity, could be a doctor, anything that he wanted to be.

What we’re doing at the moment isn’t enough. It’s not good enough.

Learn more:

About Family Homelessness in Brisbane | Micah Projects

The hidden reality of family homelessness in Brisbane | Micah Projects