National Homelessness Week 2024: Help us support Aussies doing it tough
It’s not surprising that rising living costs means that many Aussies are feeling the pinch. Rent increased by an average of 8.3% nationally last year, and many regular expenses such as insurance, food, medical costs, and more, have all increased too. For people experiencing homelessness or hardship, this makes it even harder to get back on your feet.
National Homelessness Week (5 – 11 August 2024) raises awareness about homelessness in Australia and is a good time to think about how we can support fellow Aussies who are doing it tough in our local communities.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness as affecting a person who does not have suitable accommodation alternatives, and their current living arrangement:
is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or
has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or
does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.
Homelessness is estimated to affect more than 122,000 Australians, or one in 200. While factors such as domestic violence, relationship breakdowns, financial difficulty and limited superannuation can make people more vulnerable to homelessness, as the housing affordability crisis worsens, more and more individuals will find themselves facing financial hardship. In 2022, a small research study conducted by NAB showed that one in 10 Australians couldn’t afford $2,000 in an emergency and with the added cost of living pressures in 2024, this number is likely much higher now.
A simple service with a BIG impact
We may not have all the answers for tackling homelessness in Australia, but what Orange Sky can provide is clean laundry, a warm shower and genuine conversation.
Amanda knows firsthand how important a simple conversation can be when you feel like you’re losing hope. Having experienced a rough childhood, mental health struggles, domestic violence, and eventually becoming homeless, Amanda didn’t feel positive about the future.
“I got to a point where I completely gave up hope. I didn’t think there was… I was on the other side. And now I know there is.”
Fortunately Amanda was connected with the services she needed to rebuild her life. Amanda’s NDIS plan, along with support from Orange Sky and access to accommodation provided by Pacific Link Housing, all played a crucial role in helping Amanda regain the hope she’d lost, and transform her future.
She still remembers how meaningful those conversations were when she needed it most.
“The impact of the people that sit here and talk to you, I mean, that was huge… I remember when I used to line up … and I felt really embarrassed. But he just spoke to me the whole time I was here, and he was so kind and so caring, and he didn’t judge me for the situation I was in or what I’d been through or anything I was talking about.”
Amanda’s experience of the kindness and support from the Orange Sky team, made her want to give back. Now a dedicated Orange Sky volunteer, Amanda finds purpose in helping others.
“I never really had anything to be proud of. I never had a sense of purpose. Volunteering and my career now give me that…”.
Amanda’s story highlights the profound impact that organisations like Orange Sky can have on individuals experiencing homelessness, by providing not only practical support – like hot showers and laundry services, but also a sense of connection and belonging.
Together we can make a real difference
Our goal is to create a safe, positive and supportive environment in the communities we serve, but we need your help – now more than ever.
The need is growing, and so are we – please donate today. Each donation, big or small, plays a pivotal role in our ability to help those who need it most.
You can help the growing number of Aussies experiencing homelessness and hardship this National Homelessness Week by gifting positive connection, clean laundry and warm showers.
