The problem of homelessness can seem enormous and overwhelming, but there are simple actions we all can take to help in our communities.
With National Homelessness Week coming up from 5 – 11 August, we thought we would start a conversation with a couple of ideas on things we can all do. Many thanks to our Connecting Home and Recovery Connect Teams who helped with the suggestions for this article.
Talk to your family and friends and have challenging conversations about what homelessness looks like. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions around homelessness – have a read here of our myths and facts sheet. If you hear any of these myths being spoken, you can now set the story straight. People facing homelessness are people first, just like you and I.
Learn about what it means to be homeless by listening to people’s stories. You might be very surprised how similar they are to your own.
Many people who are homeless just want to be acknowledged and be seen. It costs nothing to say hello and this kindness gives dignity in return. Every act of kindness counts.
There are heaps of places where you can order a ‘Pay It Forward’ coffee, snack or meal for a person or family in need. Ask at your favourite café or restaurant.
The popularity of renting investment properties for short term holiday stays has led to a massive shortfall of properties for rent in places all over Australia. Providing long term rentals not only helps your tenants, but is an investment in the whole community.
It’s cold outside. If you are a knitter, you could knit beanies, scarves, socks, jumpers or blankets and donate them to your local homeless shelter. (If you live in Lismore you can donate to The Winsome, in Tweed drop them into Fred’s Place)
Donate money towards warm meals, safe beds, or counselling services, or you could donate items like warm blankets, clothes or new underwear, socks, toiletries.
There are heaps of places where you could lend a helping hand like soup kitchens or op shops. Jump on Google!
If you can see someone having a hard time paying their rent, keeping up with work or school, or in a difficult situation, link them to support.
If you — or someone you know — is worried about losing your home, and are based in Northern NSW, reach out to Connecting Home early. We can help them to remain in their tenancy and support them to address the difficulties they are facing.
Helpful Links:
Support services for homeless youth
Housing assistance Northern Rivers
Sign the Everybody’s Home Campaign here: https://everybodyshome.com.au/
Get in the ears of your local Members of Parliament and tell them you want to see an end to homelessness in Australia. This Homelessness Week, Homelessness NSW are asking government to:
Citations
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), Estimating Homelessness: Census, ABS Website, accessed 9 July 2024.
[2] Johnson, G., & Chamberlain, C. (2008). Homelessness and substance abuse: Which comes first? Australian Social Work, 61(4), 342–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/03124070802428191
[3] AIHW (2021) Accessed 9 July 2022. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness
[4] AIHW (2021) Accessed 9 July 2022. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/snapshots/specialist-homelessness-services
[5] Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G. & Theobald, J. 2007, Homelessness in Melbourne: Confronting the challenge, Centre for Applied Social Research, RMTT University, p.6
