Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights that many of us cannot imagine living without. However, did you know that in Australia, around 116 000 people experience homelessness on any given night? This unfortunate reality causes many to live without the warmth and safety that we often take for granted in our own homes.
Homelessness Awareness Week (1 – 7 August 2022) is an annual, nationwide campaign that aims to raise awareness about people experiencing homelessness, as well as spotlight the actions required to achieve long-lasting solutions. Spearheaded by Homelessness Australia, the event emphasises the importance of generating a greater supply of social housing and educating communities on incorporating practical and actionable changes. This year, the Homelessness Week theme is ‘to end homelessness, we need a plan’. The public are encouraged to share stories, thoughts, and concerns regarding homelessness and housing availability on social media, and to include the hashtag #HW2022 when posting online.
In recognition of this week, the Second Chance Committee at Brisbane Girls Grammar School will run a hot chocolate stall on Tuesday 2 August, from 7.30 am to 8.10 am. All proceeds will be donated to our parent organisation, the Second Chance Programme, which addresses and supports women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Queensland.
To discover more about the Second Chance Programme, or to source a range of Homelessness Week Supporter Pack resources including web banners, email signatures, posters, and messages to support your advocacy, please visit https://secondchance.org.au/ or https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/.
Ayesha Khagram (11G) and Natasha Miric (11O)
