Seeing the Unseen
Every day on my way to and from work, I pass by people experiencing homelessness. Crowds of people move past them, faces turned, with hurried steps. In the city, it can be hard to detach the person from their situation. Pivoting from the term homeless person, to person experiencing homelessness places the person first - a victim to their situation. It gives them their humanity back and makes seeing them so often a lot more difficult to avoid and ignore.
Right now the streets are cold and unforgiving - when it’s not freezing, it’s raining incessantly and the wind can be cutting. As I make my way to the car park each afternoon, sheltering from the rain or pulling my jacket a bit tighter around myself, I feel a surge of guilt thinking about how the people, whose faces I’ve come to recognise, will manage through the night. Winter is brutal for those without shelter.
As often as I am able, I buy warm home-cooked meals from a shop up the road and deliver them to some of the people I walk past every day.
I wanted to find a way to help a bit more, and that’s why I’m raising money for Wayside Chapel - who are literally just around the corner from my work! They provide real physical and emotional support for people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence, seeking refuge etc. From free meals and hot showers, to long-term person-centred support services, they make a tangible difference every day.
No one person can end homelessness, but together, we can help ease someone’s suffering - even just a small amount. If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this message. Even a small act of kindness can bring warmth to someone who desperately needs it.
Let’s not look away. Let’s see and support our fellow human beings xx
Help me warm hearts this winter to support people sleeping rough on our streets
Right now, there are 35,011 people experiencing homelessness in NSW alone.
For people sleeping rough, winter is one of the toughest and brutal times of the year.
So, this winter, I'll be raising funds to help Wayside Chapel provide home-cooked meals, warm clothes and hot showers to people living on our streets this winter season.
But I need your help...
Please donate to my page and Warm a Heart to show people in crisis that they are loved and not forgotten this winter.
A donation of $38 can provide a home-cooked meal, warm clothes and a hot shower to a person experiencing homelessness or in crisis.
Thanks so much for your support.
