What is the worth of a locking door, four walls, a ceiling and window to see the light outdoors, or the stars outside?
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For most of us, it is taken for granted. Tonight as we bring in the kids, put away the groceries and switch on the television, we do not pay too much heed to the structure which keeps us protected from the elements, and potential dangers in our world because it is not under threat – for most of us.
We find a subconscious security in that environment. How many of us have broken down on the road, near or far from home, and sat for hours, waiting for help. How good did it feel to reach safety, and close the door on that experience?
We wake to shower, breakfast and face school, or our job. What if we could not wake to those reasonable expectations, and instead, went unfed, and hungry into the day? It is not until something happens to compromise our security in our home or shelter, and even our health, that we notice just how precious that security is. When we lose a job, and panic, thinking “How will I feed my family, and myself?”
Homelessness is a circumstance chosen by few, and as a society, we must recognise this. Because, when you spend all day trying to figure out where to sleep safely, or get a feed, you are not able to be your best.
Moree, like many regional towns, has its share of homelessness. Our residents flee from violence and need a roof and a locking door. Some are refugees of mental illness and need support and gentle help to build around them the walls of care and protection to give them a home. Others have ended up without a home from unemployment, or escalating medical costs. Some battle addiction, and others, just hard luck.
Several Moree events are highlighting the support needed to help our homeless up the ladder to a place they would like to be. But homelessness is not a seasonal condition, and does not abide by state or national awareness weeks or days. For those in it, it is a daily reality.
Let us cheer on our Hikers for Homeless this weekend, and look for ways to chip in and lend a hand. But let us also give a call to the local services, and ask, “How can I help?” Be it a letter to our state and federal member to request more funding to get our neighbours back on their feet, or just a few pairs of shoes for a family in need, the sacrifice we with those four walls, that locking door, is very small compared to those without.