YOU x Liyana Dhamirah for the Marginalised in Singapore
By now, many people think that being homeless was my rock bottom. It wasn’t. My impetus was when one day, after finally getting out of homelessness, I walked to the ATM to buy my baby daughter’s milk powder and discovered that I only had SG$5.35 left in my bank account.
I was a single mother then and was suffering due to many challenges from my ex-husband. My money had been deducted to pay for income tax. I left the ATM that day with no milk powder and a head full of worries for my three young children. I almost succumbed to the inner voices that coaxed me to end my life and contemplated bringing my children along, for I didn’t want to burden anyone with my demise. I know how it feels to be in a situation where all hope is lost. It felt like no matter what I did, the grim reaper was right behind me. I felt unworthy of living.
It’s been a decade since that day. My life has changed. I wish I could say the same for others in Singapore. It’s still tough to bring families out of poverty but this task, though uphill, isn’t impossible. My recovery story can be a possibility for other single mothers and many other individuals and families who are still in this predicament.