With the new research unveiling almost one in five Australians having experienced homelessness, this National Homelessness Week (5 – 11 August), Orange Sky is encouraging Australians to support their mission to be there for those doing it tough.
Sadly, rising living costs are forcing regional Aussies to make increasingly difficult choices, with one in three dipping into their savings just to get by, while one in five have had to choose between essential spends, such as healthcare, medication, food, clean clothes or a shower.
With the new research revealing one in five regional Aussies have experienced homelessness, outpacing rates in capital cities, people in remote communities are closer than ever to financial hardship which could spark the cycle of tough times.
Nic Marchesi, co-founder of Orange Sky, says growing costs and expenses are placing unsustainable pressure on everyday Australians, who are having to make tough sacrifices just to keep up.
“No one deserves to go without essentials – clean clothes, a hot shower and a safe place to sleep, however, rising costs are increasingly forcing everyday Australians to choose between living essentials, bills and rent, and people who may have never thought they would be struggling financially are turning to us for help.
“We have seen a 21 per cent increase in demand for our services since last financial year, and this increase is coming from families, retirees, students and middle-aged women and men. Even people with current employment are coming to us for help.
“Homelessness can be much closer than you might think it is. These statistics are people – people that we see each and every day, and people who need our support. Homelessness can impact anyone, and as we see financial hardship escalate, all it could take is one unfortunate circumstance for you or someone you know to fall on tough times,” Mr Marchesi says.
Amanda, mother of two who previously used Orange Sky’s services before becoming a volunteer, has experienced homelessness first hand and says the experience can be isolating, especially when you are lacking empathetic support.
“Being homeless was horrible, just so sad and lonely. You really do feel invisible – you don’t have anyone to turn to, anyone to talk to,
or anyone to help you, other than specified services. The rest of the day and night, you’re on your own,” Amanda says.
However, Amanda also highlights the profound impact of open and empathetic support services for those doing it tough.
“I heard about Orange Sky and didn’t know what to expect. I came down and saw all these really happy people talking and laughing and waving each other over – I just felt so welcomed. The impact the Orange Sky volunteers had on me that day, the way they treated me, it almost brought a tear to my eye of happiness and appreciation. It still sometimes does.
“To sit for a whole hour at my most vulnerable and be treated like I mattered, meant so much. That’s how I want other people to feel,” says Amanda.
No one should go without clean clothes, a warm shower and empathy from the community. As more and more Aussies are forced into homelessness, Orange Sky is asking Australians to show their financial support through their Homelessness Week appeal at orangesky.org.au
