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Street OutreachThe Problem No matter where homeless people go they are treated like social outcasts - even support services designed to serve them treat them as welfare clients. The experience is institutionalizing and debilitating. It becomes very clear to someone who is homeless 'this is who you are' and 'this is where you fit.' There is no grey area, homeless people simply don't belong. True homelessness is about this experience of being an 'outsider,' of being lonely and having no one in your life. Street Outreach ProgramA small group of volunteers from Rebeccas Commmunity maintain connections with homeless people in Kings Cross, through regular contact we build connectedness. At present we are raising money to purchase an outreach van, from which we can create a gathering space where 50 or more homeless people can meet, each night with a team of 20 volunteers. This meeting point will help break down the social barriers and offer an experience of being welcomed, accepted and believed in. The Rebeccas Community Street Outreach Van will stay parked in the one place for two or more hours, welcoming homeless people with a hot cuppa and a friendly welcome. The focus of the Street Outreach Van will be on developing connections, friendships and taking time out from the street environment. We strive
to: We are not there to fix them or change them or mainstream homeless people... just to meet the person and take time to hear about how their day was and share our lives with them. Read Stories from the Street: Or visit the Smiling Street Kids Gallery.
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