Homelessness – helping those living in the shadows

There are many streets and suburbs in the Diocese of Broken Bay where homelessness is just not an obvious problem.

Or is it?

A lot of communities may not see people sleeping in shop doorways, in cars or parks.

Perhaps we are dangerously close to accepting homelessness is a problem we just cannot solve.

After all it is not a new social injustice, it has been around a long time.

Our own St Mary of the Cross MacKillop dedicated her life to working for the homeless, the destitute, and the marginalised.

However recent statistics are sobering.

In just four years homelessness has increased by just under 14%. Two out of 5 people experiencing homelessness are under 25 and there has been a 28% increase in Australians aged 55+ also experiencing homelessness – and that includes people in our Diocese.

Last year CatholicCare Broken Bay launched the inaugural Homelessness Appeal to help fund two key services in our Diocese.

Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy is open to anyone who is homeless, transient or just needs a helping hand. This service provides more than 2,000 nutritious meals a month, as well as a place to shower and to wash clothes. Mary Mac’s also provides links to other support services, emergency relief and health supports.

Dom’s Place is a homeless hub in Hornsby which has been operating for just over a year. It provides access to essential support services, crisis intervention and case management to men, women and families who are at risk of experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. It is a place where people can feel safe and connected to the community.

Thanks to the generosity of families and students from our Catholic Schools Broken Bay, the appeal raised nearly $112,000 which assisted thousands of people.

The second CatholicCare Homelessness Appeal will be launched in the first week of August culminating on 8 August, the feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

If parishioners can contribute just a small amount it will make a big difference to our brothers and sisters living in the shadows.