McKellar woman Rhonda Obad has endured more than most in her life, but she has survived by choosing to help others.
She is close to realising her dream of providing shelter for young homeless men in Canberra, an ambition she started working towards almost two years ago.
But the genesis of her Bridge Back to Life Foundation was the 1998 death of her son Tony from a heroin overdose.
Tony was only 19 when he was bashed in 1994 at the Jolimont Centre by three men, who were subsequently jailed.
His injuries, including brain damage, sent him into a spiral that led him to using heroin, despite the efforts of his mother to save him.
As a means to cope with her grief, Ms Obad decided to help other young people at risk by establishing the not-for-profit Bridge Back to Life Foundation in Canberra.
''When Tony died, it was do this or suicide,'' she said. ''The pain was so bad, it over-ruled all common sense. It's still very deep.''
Ms Obad is the chief executive officer of the foundation, which is run by a board, chaired by former Independent MLA Dave Rugendyke.
''Our board takes the view that we need to make a difference within our own backyard, meaning Canberra, before we put our resources elsewhere,'' she said.
The foundation has a program to help homeless males aged 16 to 25.
It has just secured a private rental property in Belconnen, where it will house six young men at a time for three to six months. The residents will be vetted by the board and will be put through a living skills program.
The aim is to have them reunite, if possible, with their families, get into training and other education and find permanent employment.
Some businesses have already donated furniture and other items, but the foundation is seeking more assistance.
All the men will have to pay some rent and contribute towards bills.
''We want to give them a helping hand, but also make sure they learn some responsibility,'' Ms Obad said.
A Canberra mother, who did not want to be named, has tried to help her son, now in his early 20s, for at least six years after he moved out of the family home and lived on friends' couches, cars, or anywhere he could find.
Her son has decided to become one of the first tenants in the Bridge Back to Life house. She hopes it will be the breakthrough the whole family needs.
''I think as a parent you can only do so much, then you need help. This is the answer to my prayers,'' the mother said. ''It's a chance for him to get his life back. Hopefully he will change his lifestyle and find steady employment and get back to being the person he used to be.''
Ms Obad plans to have the home up and running by early next month.
''There's no need for homelessness if we all take the initiative... and this is an example of what we can do.
''We'll make a difference.''
Anyone who would like to donate items, from furniture to kitchen utensils to pictures for the walls, can contact Ms Obad on 62580021.
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