No festive tree, no presents and no way to give your child the special day others his age are enjoying.

Unfortunately for the past two years, this has been the reality for many in the Hastings including Mary* and her child.

Homelessness has increased around 14 per cent nationally over the past five years.

Closer to home, Port Macquarie’s not-for-profit organisation New Horizons provided support for more than 2,500 people in need of accommodation in the past 12 months. 

What many take for granted, such as a strong upbringing, a stable job, smart decision making and a bit of luck, Mary has rarely experienced.

The help of some generous local homeless organisations have enabled her to have a roof over her head (most nights) and come Christmas, some gifts for her little boy. And slowly but surely, hope is returning to Mary's life.

And this Christmas , Mary aims to her to get her life back on track, ensuring 2019 will be her son’s first festive season in their own home.

"I don't want to bore people with a sob story about growing up poor and in a rough home," she said.

"But I guess that is why I'm here today. I was never taught the right way to do things. My parents were abusive to each other and we never had money.

“I am fighting back and I want to have a home to live in independently for Christmas next year.”

She spoke candidly about her poor education, often choosing not to attend primary school where she grew up in Queensland.

"When I was a teenager I didn’t care but I did enjoy high school," she said.

"That was because of the friends I had. We would always hang out because I didn't have much at home. But I was a bum. 

"I didn't work like some of my friends. I use to couch surf and eat at their house."

She came to NSW, living with friends and eventually, a boyfriend in Kempsey, where the now 29-year-old got pregnant.

She relied on government money and no longer has contact with the father of her child.

"I know that I'm in this position because I didn't do the right thing at school or after school," she said.

"I know I could have gotten a job and saved and made the right choices but I didn't really know how.

“Thankfully I have had a lot of help from many people and I'm getting back on track."

Those "people" include op shops, charity services that give clothes and food vouchers and toys for her son at Christmas.

"Of course I would love to have a job and somewhere to live myself but I'm not in that position yet," she said.

"I'm so thankful for all the generous people and places around the town and back in Kempsey who have helped me and my son.

"I'm ready to get into the work force and fight back so that he doesn't have to grow up the same way I did. 

"People end up like this for lots of different reasons (and) to know there is help is a relief. I'm ashamed I didn't do more to better myself when I was younger. 

"But I'm not ashamed of myself or how I live now because I'm doing my best and I know I'll come out the other side."

Getting help – what services are available for the homeless in Port Macquarie

*Name changed to protect identity.