Advocate For Homeless People
People in charge, like the government, won’t fix homelessness unless they see it’s important to the people they represent.
If you’re wondering who to contact or how to become an advocate, here are some ways to help:
- Talk to your local MP and ask them to take action on housing and homelessness.
- Visit your community centre to learn about local initiatives and ways to get involved.
- Call radio shows to talk about the problem and get more people thinking about it.
- Follow homelessness charities on social media and like, share, or comment on their posts.
- Sign and share petitions about housing and homelessness.
- Think about housing and homelessness policies when you vote.
These things might feel small, but together they can make a big difference in making sure leaders pay attention to the issue.
Educate Yourself And Others
We can’t solve a problem if we don’t understand it. Wrong ideas about homelessness can stop communities and governments from finding real solutions.
By learning the truth and sharing it with others, you can help break unfair stereotypes while supporting people through better awareness of mental health, support services, and emergency accommodation options.
Did you know:
- Only about 7% of homeless people are “sleeping rough” (living on the streets). Most homelessness is hidden, like people staying in overcrowded homes, sleeping on friends’ couches, or living in temporary accommodation.
- In Australia, women over 55 are the fastest-growing group of people without a home.
Donate To Homelessness Agencies And Services
Some homelessness organisations get money from the government, but it’s never enough to help everyone who needs it. With the big homelessness problem in Australia right now, and the urgent need for more affordable housing, you might want to donate to these organisations so they can help more people in the community.
You could give a one-time donation, donate regularly, leave a gift in your Will, or start a partnership through your workplace. Money is often more helpful than goods because it lets services use it for exactly what people need at the time. Food and clothes are great, but money gives more flexibility.
If you can’t donate money, look for volunteer information or call the organisation to ask what they need most, it changes over time. When donating goods, always drop them off during open hours. Never leave them outside or on the street, as cleaning up dumped or unusable items costs services thousands of dollars each year. Before donating, ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend?
Volunteer And Support
Many homelessness services depend on volunteers to help them do their work. There are lots of ways to help, like working directly with people experiencing homelessness, supporting those facing financial or other personal issues, or assisting with office tasks.
A good way to start is by looking up homelessness services in your area or checking job boards to see who needs extra help.
Treat Others Without A Home With Dignity And Respect
People who have been homeless often talk about how hard it feels emotionally. Many say they feel lonely and cut off from others. Even something small, like a smile or saying hello, can help them feel less alone.
It’s your choice whether or not to give money to someone who is sleeping rough or asking for change. If you do, remember that it’s a gift, and the person can choose how to use it, just like if you gave money to a friend or family member for their birthday. Respecting their choices is important.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, then contact us for more information.
Ipswich, QLD