“It was raining mould from the ceiling.”
Denise* was forced to leave her home and partner because of repeated domestic violence. No matter how hard she tried, 56-year-old Denise missed out on every rental she applied for. Desperate and homeless, she agreed to rent a house that was practically falling apart.
This was all Denise could afford. She spent most of her working life shearing sheep, and now lives with crippling back pain, and can no longer work. The rental was cold, damp, derelict, and dangerous to her health and wellbeing.
“Heavy rain would pour through the bathroom roof. Every time I turned the light switch on, I’d get a shock. There was so much mould, and the house was infested with cockroaches.”
Denise didn’t know what to do, or who to turn to for help. Thankfully, she was referred to Catholic Care, and no longer had to bear her burden alone. It took some time and a lot of hard work, but Denise now lives comfortably in a clean, dry, and safe home.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Help people experiencing homelessness find a place to call home
Many disadvantaged people don’t meet the eligibility criteria for government assistance. So when they suffer housing stress, or are evicted from their home, their need is acute.
Catholic Care is committed to support those being overlooked. We launched our Assistance with Care and Housing service this year to provide practical and emotional support to vulnerable and marginalised people. Since February, 120 people like Denise, have received support and safe, secure shelter. With increased costs of living and homelessness, demand for this service has soared.
As we celebrate Advent, Christmas, and the miraculous birth of our Saviour, we must remember that Jesus Himself was born in a stable, without a home. Again and again, He stretched out His hands in compassion to the poor. As Christians, we are called to follow His loving example.
This Christmas, I invite you to open your heart and stretch out your hands in compassion to the poor. Your gift will enable Catholic Care to help more people like Denise to find a safe place to call home. Thank you for your prayers and heart-felt kindness.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta
Will you stretch out your hands to the poor and help end homelessness?
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Gifts over $2 are tax deductible. A tax receipt will automatically be emailed for once-off donations.
Regular weekly or monthly donors will receive an annual tax statement, near the end of the financial year.
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Thank you for stretching out your hand to those who are less fortunate and for helping end homelessness.
You have held out your hand in solidarity and love to those around you, and I am deeply grateful to you, for your kindness and generosity.
I want to thank you for showing love and compassion to our brothers and sisters who are often excluded and marginalised, and for helping more people like Denise to find a safe and secure place to call home.
May God our Father bless you and your loved ones this Christmas and give you His peace in the New Year.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta