Introduction:

Throughout our lives many of us stroll the streets for fun, to get places or to explore but many are ignorant of the faces submerged in the issue of homelessness. Many may get coffee and walk by tens of hundreds in a day who are in need of a home, yet we still claim there are fewer homeless people every year and continue to ignore the issue,  whiich is becoming a huge threat to many individuals and families in situations such as migration, refugee status, financial crises and more, leading to many individuals and families becoming homeless. This month, we must make a change. As you go about your day try to pay attention to the homeless. Even though it is an unsettling truth for many, it is time for all of us to all take action and move on to helping those instead of just feeling sorry. Similar to bullying, you can become a bystander or up-stander- it is up to you to decide if you will take this issue seriously and try to spread awareness or help.The homeless epidemic that is affecting many in Australia can not be controlled, even if you have money some events could lead to the downfall of many. Take Danii's story for instance and read the transcript below or watch the video linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AF7-aATDFY.

Danii's Story:

When I was younger, I dreamt about driving an ambulance, becoming a circus performer, living on an island, all those beautiful dreams you have about the future when you're young. But I never dreamt that one day I'd experience homelessness.Years of homelessness. It happened in stages, like a spiral going down and down. No matter how hard I tried to fight it, I just couldn't stop it. I had to leave a really challenging family and domestic violence situation, which really impacted my confidence and mental health. Less than a year later, my landlord sold the property I was renting. When I thought things couldn't get worse, I started house hunting. I applied, and applied, and applied for the few places I could afford, and so did many others. So many others. I was always close but never close enough. The only choice I had was squeezing in on the couches at friends' places, feeling like the unwanted guest. Eventually, I found myself living in a car, always feeling afraid through the night, unable to cook a proper meal, and washing under taps in parks.I don't think I have words to describe how it really felt, and I hope you never have to find out. But that's the thing, we all think it can't happen to us, but then it can and it does. And so, my only dream became a place to call home. I'm not sure I would've ever achieved that dream if it wasn't for the Salvos' help. Here I am today finally seeing that dream come alive. The day I got the keys to my new place, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. It's the smallest things that make me smile the most a warm shower, a place to make a cup of tea, a comfy pillow. It doesn't mean life is always easy, but having my own place has taken away a huge level of stress and anxiety. It is so important, because a home is so much more than just a roof, it's a safe place where kids can slowly begin to build confidence and security at school, a place to invite a friend or a neighbour in, and a way to feel like part of a community again. To me, a home is hope. And having a home has finally allowed me to dream of a positive future once again.

Did you know that on any given night 1 in 200 people in Australia are homeless due to current events such as inflation? Based on this information provided by the census it is estimated that over 120,000 people Australia are struggling with the financial issues that led them to homelessness. As unsettling as it may be, it is time the community regained its knowledge on this topic. The story aboveoutlined Danii's Story and what she experienced during her life in the unexpected time of urgency when she experienced homelessness. One of the best non-profit organisations that are in place with Mission Australia is the Southwest Sydney Youth Hub which is a non-profit organisation that focuses on helping family and individuals in need of help and housing. By visiting their page (MissionAustralia.com) you can see what the organisation does to support  families and individuals in need of assistance. As St Francis says, be the light of a single candle- don’t be a  a bystander be an upstander today and forever moving forward.