A few months ago, I read that middle-aged single women were among the fastest-growing demographics facing homelessness. I even joked to a friend, “I’m going to become a statistic!” But it turned out to be no joke.

It was a Friday in September when I was supposed to collect the keys to a small rental in Balaclava. I’d been approved, scraped together the bond and first month’s rent with the help of a loan, and was finally ready to settle back into my neighbourhood after months of instability.

Miriam Wallace is a single woman who found herself homeless for most of this year, despite 25 years working in the music industry and corporate jobs.Credit: Photograph by Chris Hopkins

After signing the lease and transferring the bond and rent to the real estate account, I emailed the agent to confirm the time I could pick up the keys. The response left me staring at my screen in shock: they had given the home to another tenant, claiming I hadn’t sent the funds in time. I’d done everything right, and after a bit of digging, I found the property relisted at a higher price. It was clear they had chosen someone who had offered more.

With that single email, my shot at stability vanished. I’d been living in a cheap motel, my belongings in storage, and now, with funds running low, I faced the prospect of living in my car.

I never thought I’d end up homeless. I’ve lived in Melbourne for more than 25 years, built my career here, fallen in love here, and formed friendships that became like family. Throughout that time, I’ve been running my own digital marketing and publicity company,........

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