As Christmas is fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the family and friends of people experiencing homeless, and recognise the incredible strain it presents to them.
I have been messaged countless times throughout the year from family and friends of those experiencing homelessness. They are often feeling powerless to help, due to many complexities in their relationship to the person, as well as the difficulties in navigating support systems.
I often see posts on Facebook groups from family members who are asking for guidance or support - many people are quick to tell them they should let the person stay in their home. Sometimes they cast judgements that they are "letting" their family member be homeless by not opening up their home.
I would remind people that homelessness is usually a result of a long journey, with usually many family and friends trying as hard as they know how, to help.
It is very common that the family members who reach out to me have lost contact with the homeless individual. There are often DVO's in place, preventing contact from either side.
This does not mean the family member doesn't care. It means that for their safety, and the safety of the person experiencing homelessness, it's best if they don't make contact.
This also doesn't mean the family member or friend isn't doing EVERYTHING they can to try and help.
Just a couple of weeks ago I had a mum and a dad calling me about their child who had broken off contact with them 2 years earlier. They were extremely upset and concerned that their child had reportedly ended up in a tent in Musgrave Park. They were worried about their safety, and were trying to do as much as possible behind the scenes to ensure that nothing would happen to their child. Many tears were shed as I told them how sorry I was for what they were going through, and that they were beautiful people for loving their child unconditionally, and trying to help them as much as they were.
To family and friends of our homeless friends, and I want you to know how strong, resilient and amazing you are. Please know that we care, and we love you. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering love - it is so important, and you ARE making a difference.
Much love <3 <3 <3
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