Have you ever wondered how people become homeless? Where would you sleep on a cold, rainy, windy night? What would you eat and where would you get the money to survive? Even though we can only imagine what this is like, there are approximately 8,000 South Australians who experience homelessness everyday (Homelessness Australia, 2018).
Many in society have differing views about the homeless. These include that they don’t have or want a job, they are addicted to drugs, are dirty, have mental health issues, or they just don’t want to conform. It is these stereotypes that sadly see those who are homeless treated as social outcasts in society. Most of us are not even aware of the issue of homelessness within our State due to the lack of research in this area; however, with the increasing demand for food and accommodation from shelters such as Fred’s Van and the Hutt St Centre and an increase in rent and unemployment rates, it cannot be denied that homelessness is becoming a greater issue.
As a Catholic school, Kildare College supports the Catholic Social Teaching Principles and strives to follow these in our daily lives. The issue of homelessness relates to the principle of ‘Common Good’, ‘Dignity of the Human Person’, and ‘Solidarity’. These principles teach us that we need to share resources among the community, treat everyone equally and set aside the differences within individuals. We can address the issue of homelessness by considering these principles in our actions.
As part of the Common Good Principle, every year, the Vinnies Group of Kildare College supports the homeless and hungry by donating to specific branches of St. Vincent De Paul Society. This year the students are helping Fred’s Van, a service which provides food for the homeless. They are making and sending warm soup as well as donating warm clothing to Fred’s Van. If you can help kind donations of warm clothing and produce such as winter vegetables would be very much appreciated.
On behalf of the Kildare College Vinnies group,
Thank you.
Hitha and Huda
Year 11 Religion Studies
