Women’s homelessness is on the rise in Brisbane, with recent data revealing women as the fastest-growing group of homeless individuals in Australia, driven by unique social and economic challenges.
Community Initiative Launches in Brisbane
A new community outreach van was introduced to Brisbane this December, as part of a collaborative effort between women’s health brand Ostelin and Rosies – Friends on the Street, a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and social isolation.
The van aims to provide a welcoming space for social connection and practical support, addressing a pressing need within the community.
The initiative focuses on providing a lifeline to those facing isolation, particularly women, who often encounter hardships involving couch surfing, living in cars, or residing in temporary housing.
According to Rosies’ Brisbane City Branch Co-Coordinator Cathy Barber, many women in such circumstances feel invisible and unacknowledged, and some have not heard their name spoken for months.
“Having volunteered with Rosies for 15 years, I have seen first-hand the impact of homelessness and social isolation – and the alarming rise in the number of women experiencing it. Women may be living in their cars, couch surfing or living in government housing, and are often disconnected from their families and communities as a result. For some of the women I speak to, no one has looked them in the eye or said their name out loud for months.”
Support for the Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City Communities
The outreach program extends to several Brisbane locations, including Holy Trinity Church in Fortitude Valley. Daytime outreach sessions occur on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Future outreach dates at this location include December 12 and 26.
At Emma Miller Place in Brisbane City, evening outreach sessions run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with Sunday sessions from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. These sessions provide food, hygiene products, and, most importantly, social interaction with trained volunteers.
Focus on Strength and Recognition
The new outreach van bears the handwritten names of 67 community members to honour individuals who have demonstrated resilience and strength. Rosies’ CEO Jayne Shallcross highlighted that small acts of kindness, such as saying someone’s name or sharing a conversation, can be transformative for those who feel unseen and unheard.
Ostelin’s Zone Brand Lead, Sarah Pothecary, emphasised the brand’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals through partnerships like this one. In addition to the van, Ostelin has contributed 4,000 hygiene bags and over 400 health and wellness packs to Rosies patrons, containing essential items and messages of encouragement.
Ongoing Commitment to Social Support
Rosies’ long-standing presence in Brisbane involves over 210 outreach events each month across Queensland, supported by 1,600 volunteers. The new van is expected to enhance these efforts, providing more opportunities for individuals in need to reconnect with their community and regain confidence.
For more information about Rosies’ outreach programs or to donate, visit rosies.org.au.
Published 9-Dec-2024