Leasha and her two sons now have a place to call home after four and a half years on the wait list.

The family have been living in a motel room for the last six months, and prior to that they were couch surfing and camping to ensure they had somewhere to stay.

‘’It’s such a relief to know we have a roof over our head,’’ Leasha said.

‘’Knowing I have somewhere I can put the kids makes a big difference, knowing we have a safe house that we don’t have to leave.’’

The home has been furnished with generous donations from the Salvos Stores. The Salvation Army also donated gift cards and a hamper to help the family settle in to their home.

‘’Thank you so much – words can’t say it,’’ said Leasha. ‘’The boys will be jumping with joy because they have a house to live in. We’ll have dinner at home tonight.’’

In Australia, one in 200 people are homeless each night, and 10,000 of these are children.

Statistics show that the number of homeless people in the Illawarra increased by over 66 per cent between 2006 and 2011, and likely is still increasing.

To help call the Homeless Hub (4244 4121) or the Salvation Army (0438 435 705).

‘’If it can give someone else hope, then I am happy to share my story,’’ Leasha said.