One night this week, a dozen Mission Australia staff in Western Australia will swap their beds for car seats.
This is not out of choice, but to stand in solidarity with those who have no choice at all.
The ‘Sleep in Your Car initiative’, which took place on October 17 at Mission Australia’s Wattle House carpark in Maddington, aims to raise funds and awareness for the growing number of people experiencing homelessness.
Mission Australia Area Manager Robyn Fernihough said taking part was a way to make a tangible difference and shed light on the struggles she witnesses daily.
“I see the impact of homelessness every day, and this is a small way to make a tangible difference and increase awareness of the issue with my family, friends, and the wider community,” she said.
“I want to raise awareness of the daily reality of people who do not have safe, stable accommodation and are left with no option but to sleep in their cars if they have one or otherwise sleep rough.”
Robyn said one of the toughest parts of her job is wanting to do more for people who are struggling.
“We always wish we could do more to support people who are struggling with the lack of available and affordable housing available, and as a charity, we are limited in the amount of financial and food assistance we can provide to people in need,” she said.
She added that fundraising efforts could help bridge that gap.
“If the WA team, WAkey, is the top fundraising team for this campaign, we will secure a grant to support people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in the local community by providing food and financial assistance. This will allow us to help more people, offering hope and possibility for all.”
Mission Australia Service Area Manager Leanne Monda said the growing housing shortage was having a deep impact across the community; and even among her own friends and family.
“Since starting work in the community services sector, I have seen the growing impact of housing shortages on our community, and I know the work that Mission Australia does to support every person, despite there not being enough housing available,” she said.
“Recently, with the growing need for secure housing, we have seen this gap grow and my own friends and family have been affected. Individuals and families across the region are experiencing homelessness, and this might mean they are sleeping in their car, couch surfing or living in overcrowded family homes.”
Leanne said homelessness could happen to anyone, and empathy was essential.
“Compassion, respect and understanding are required when people are experiencing homelessness. We need to form strong communities and put secure housing at the forefront of what we do to ensure people can heal, grow, and build thriving lives. Every member of our community can contribute to this.”
She noted that Wattle House was a vital support for many in the City of Gosnells.
“Wattle House is a key part of our local community, and we chose to do our fundraising event here due to the growing need we are seeing in the community, and the work that the staff and volunteers undertake every day to address this need.”
Leanne said she hoped the fundraiser would not only raise awareness but also vital funds.
“I am grateful to be able to return to a safe, secure home at the end of our sleep-out. Many of our community are still seeking this.”
Mission Australia Service Area Manager Mark Cheong said sleeping in his car was a way to truly understand the reality faced by others.
“I wanted to personally do something meaningful to support the Wattle House Sleep in Your Car,” he said. “Thousands of homeless people sleep in their cars, and it was a way to help myself understand their daily challenge.”
“That unless we actually try to understand what it is like to be in their shoes, we will not fully understand the challenges, the suffering they go through, and how much more as a person, an organisation and community we have to do to help people experiencing homelessness.”
Mark said the fundraiser showed that small acts can make a big impact.
“If one of us steps up, it may only look like a small effort, but once many of us decide to pitch in, it will make a huge difference.”
Many people in Maddington see Wattle House as more than a place for help; they see it as a place of hope.
One client said the support had made a big difference.
“Getting the hamper has been unreal and so helpful. I know about 20 recipes for tins of tuna. Nothing goes to waste,” they said.
“I have met some lovely, friendly ladies in the office. So, so nice.”
Another client said the service had changed their life.
“It has changed my life completely. No matter how I am feeling, the staff at Wattle House always show compassion and care. I would be lost without them.”
As cost-of-living pressures continue to grow, clients said every bit of help counts.
“Well, I don’t buy a lot of meat. The food hampers make a lot of our weekly meals. I have cut back on lots of little ‘luxuries.’ I take timed showers and don’t water the garden as much,” one said.
When asked what message they wanted to share with the community, they said, “The rent is too dear, food is too dear! I don’t know how they survive. Come to Wattle House, get some help from here, come and talk to staff and people like me who go there.”
Another client added, “Just simply come and talk to them. See what it’s like. Hear their stories.”
