Struggle Street

In episode one, we meet Australians from diverse backgrounds facing a range of challenges, from unemployment to addiction and a lack of housing. Single mother Norma is facing homelessness and Kiwi shelter residents Jarrod and Sharon battle to overcome addiction.

After 22 years, factory worker Nick faces an uncertain future following the closure of the Ford plant and single mother Tamara finds herself the victim of a vocational training loan scam. Meanwhile, neighbour Allan is struggling after racking up over $30,000 in payday loans and police are sent in to remove Norma and her family from their home.

Michael finds himself at war with his brother as they try to deal with their mother's will and Allan is trying to get his new landscaping business up and running - but it's one step forward and two steps back as he battles bureaucracy and his creditors chasing unpaid loans. In Brisbane's south-west, Jarrod and Sharon are at breaking point as they battle to stay clean from drugs and keep their family together.

At 55 years of age, Sue's been told she has four weeks to leave her home. With little money, and a growing public housing waiting list, she faces the very real prospect of homelessness. Kiwi parents Jarrod and Sharon agree to part ways in an attempt to clean up their lives, as welfare authorities are called. Meanwhile, things are looking up for Michael. He's about to get a new set of teeth - but will his renewed confidence be enough to get him back on his feet and into work?

Jarrod and his two eldest children find themselves on the streets and struggle to get emergency assistance. Nearby, Sue is battling housing authorities as she attempts to find alternative accommodation, and mother and daughter Michelle and Jess are coming to terms with life on the poverty line. Michelle has had to leave her job to care for daughter Jess, who suffers a rare genetic disorder - and it seems their financial plight means even a wheelchair is out of their reach.