What is it with the word “Homelessness”? Or better still what is with the pre-conceived ideas held by so many when they hear/see the word Homelessness? Does the thought of this word really repulse you so much? So much so, that you avoid eye contact, stop communicating or even fire verminous abuse at a homeless family? All questions that I just do not understand why…
Many of the very few that read my blog would be well aware that my family and I became homeless. And for whatever reasons we were left without any solid accommodation for our family over a Christmas period.. That is, 9 people. And out of that we learnt that many people just like us were also homeless, without anybody to give a damn about their welfare. So once we were back on our feet, Cate and some of our children have continued to raise awareness of homelessness in Australia and to help raise much needed funds to assist those organisations that are out there helping the homeless. But the prejudices of that word homeless just make it so hard. Just like when we were homeless, people don’t want to communicate about this subject, and to attempt to raise funds is near impossible. Yet other very well deserving charitable organisations have nowhere near the same issues with raising funds for other causes. Why is this?
For two years Cate and the kids have completed the winter sleep out to raise funds for Mission Australia. And for both years, gaining donations has been extremely difficult. People just shy away. Even after setting a very low target of $1000 for four people, they have been only able to raise three quarters of that amount. And yes, there is always a draw on everybody’s resources to give to charity.. And yes, there is only so much money to go around (or should that be there is only so much we want to give to go around so we don’t lose our comfortable positions?) but getting people to see the actual issue of homelessness is near impossible. Yet many Australians are only one or two payments away from that very same thing. Why?
What comes to mind when you hear homeless? The old drunk on the park bench? Because that image changed a very long time ago.
What is it about homeless people and being homeless that turns you away?
I would really like to know your opinions on this, as I cannot understand why this word causes so much prejudice.
Rick
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