‘I used to work on breakfast radio every morning on Triple j and I’d wake up at 4.30 and leave the house when it was really dark and no one was out. But there’d be an old lady that slept out the front of our apartment door. She was there every day for a year.
‘It was kind of weird as I would always ask her if she needed anything but there was always a disconnect between her and myself. I guess that comes down to communication and what I can offer someone in that situation.
‘It’s not just money - it’s a blanket or do you need a phone call, or an OPAL card? Do you need a shower or do you need to use the bathroom? It’s those things. Taking part in the Newtopian Sleepout is definitely opening my eyes up to everything.
‘I’ve learnt a lot about homelessness so far - about how prevalent it is and how difficult it is to get out of the system. So many Australians, and I have as well, get caught up in this mind-set that we have Centrelink, why don’t you just get the dole, you know? You never really understand the complexity of any issue until you place yourself within that community. Not that I’m necessarily doing that just by sleeping in Newtown Square for one night but certainly just by being a part of this program I’ve learnt a lot more about homelessness. It’s made me more aware of what I can do as an individual in everyday circumstances that I will now be more aware of.
‘The thought of homelessness is terrifying. There are so many things that life could throw at you in any situation. I guess we all have our time at being “the one” at one stage or another and for now everything is good in my life and that’s why I’ll help out while I can.’
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Thanks fellow Inner Westie Matt Okine for taking part in the Newtopian Sleepout this week and helping the community smash their fundraising target to help those at risk in our 'hood. There is still time to donate at link in bio above ☝🏼. Or if you're tight on cash, please share this post so others can donate!
Funds go to Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
#newtopiansleepout #innerwest #everybodyshome #humansofnewtown #homelessness #newtowncentre
