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A Week of Heartwarming Support, Frantic Activity, and Real Impact

Amber Porter

This past week has been a whirlwind of community engagement, helping those in need, and witnessing the transformative power of collaboration.


An Outpouring of Support:

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible response we've received! Our website and social media have been buzzing with messages from businesses offering support and jobs, other organizations seeking collaboration, and individuals eager to donate. I apologize to anyone I haven't responded to yet – juggling a full-time job with this mission leaves limited hours in the day. Rest assured, I will get back to each and every one of you.


Prioritizing Urgent Needs:

While the support is inspiring, my top priority remains those facing homelessness. A constant stream of calls and messages from people sleeping rough seeking help keeps me focused on immediate needs.


A Turning Point at Musgrave Park:

Upon arriving at Musgrave Park one evening, I learned a community meeting was underway, with Trina Massey, the Greens councillor for the Gabba, in attendance. It was there that I encountered a gentleman who had been sleeping rough for 18 months and desperately needed a tent.


The arrival of Moli and Paul from Micah Projects, followed by the CEO, Karyn, marked a turning point. Within minutes, a van whisked the gentleman away to a hotel stay! Karyn's team became a force of action, securing hotel rooms for four individuals, three of whom avoided tents, and even assisting a long-term female resident of the park.


Collaboration Delivers Results:

The Brisbane City Council had flagged six tents for removal. I assessed the situation, removing two tents for cleaning and finding an alternative resident for one. Sadly, three tents were unsalvageable.


The collaborative effort extended further, with two individuals placed in temporary accommodation at Roma House, and efforts underway to secure temporary housing for six more within the next few days.


Witnessing the positive impact and the "get things done" attitude of Karyn and her team left Nick and I feeling energized. While challenges remain, particularly within the Micah office, this week marks a significant step forward.


The Importance of Community:

While restocking pantries with dog food, feminine hygiene products, and other essentials, we encountered a woman who relies on the Brunswick Street Pantry to support herself and her disabled son. Hearing her story, and her dedication to keeping the pantry organized, underscores the importance of our efforts. This initiative takes nothing but time and compassion to transform food destined for waste into a lifeline for those in need.



The Human Cost of Homelessness:

Checking in on Carla at Musgrave, I encountered a young girl, only 15, who has been homeless for four years. Her heartbreaking story – losing her mother in childbirth and enduring a negative experience in foster care – highlights the complex challenges faced by many experiencing homelessness. While solutions aren't always readily available, offering support and a listening ear can make a difference.


This week has been a powerful reminder of the human stories behind homelessness, the strength of community, and the potential for positive change through collaboration. We remain committed to this mission, and I'll continue to share updates as we move forward.

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