ICONIC homeless support agency Rosies – Friends on the Street has started its year-long celebrations marking 35 incredible years helping Queensland’s most vulnerable.
A special, month-long state tour during November aims to help the charity raise awareness about its crucial work in building community and creating friendships and connections for people who are homeless, experiencing financial hardship, socially isolated or lonely.
Part of the tour involves taking life-sized cardboard Rosies van cut-outs to 27 sites around the state so people can stop by to learn more about homelessness, the work of Rosies, and speak to some of the 1500 Rosies volunteers.
The celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful work of love, care, connection and friendship that Rosies volunteers, patrons, donors and supporters have experienced over the past 35 years.
Rosies has become a constant in the lives of Queenslanders in need. It is estimated that its volunteers have spent one million hours of conversation with its patrons and made at least two million warm and savoured drinks.
Rosies will announce its roadshow locations on social media channels 24 hours before the van arrives, and will enable the charity to surprise and delight and celebrate with the communities that support its incredible work.
Rosie’s CEO Jayne Shallcross said it was incredibly important to raise awareness around homelessness and the struggles which so many are facing.
“People often underestimate the importance and value of genuine conversation,” Ms Shallcross said.
“We take the time to connect because we never want our patrons to feel unloved, uncared for or alone.
“We often hear stories about our patrons feeling invisible and they tell us how much it impacts their self-worth and dignity when people turn to avoid their gaze or walk across the road to avoid them.
“We are privileged to meet and listen as our friends share their intimate and personal stories with us. This genuine connection is, at its core, what Rosies is all about and why we do what we do.”
Rosies volunteers have witnessed a large and increasing number of people sleeping rough.
Those in overcrowded places, in hostels or on the streets had jumped 10 per cent across Queensland, will overall numbers had skyrocketed in Brisbane city.
“We are seeing homeless people seeking refuge in areas in the city which have previously not been frequented by those seeking shelter,” Ms Shallcross said.
“People are looking for little alcoves where they can sleep safely or are sleeping in their cars.”
“There has been a fundamental change in demographic with more women and families attending than ever before. And, we are also seeing more younger and older people.
“We are seeing more and more patrons coming to our vans.
“It’s a challenging atmosphere. And over the next few years, we expect this situation to keep increasing.”
Rosies has partnered with Brisbane artist, and former patron, Jake Moss to create a one-of-a-kind merchandise range that includes vibrant and on-trend T-shirts, caps and totes, with proceeds going to Rosies to keep vans on the street.
Jake has been homeless twice in his young adult life and said volunteers from Rosies helped him turn his life around by being there for him, chatting to him and caring about him.
“I’m so honoured to have had the opportunity to design this merch because it’s a fantastic way for me to show my enormous appreciation for Rosies,” Jake Moss said. “Rosies volunteers saved my life.”
Rosies vans service 14 sites at Beenleigh, Brisbane City, Brisbane North, Caboolture, Cairns, Gold Coast North – Southport Nerang, Gold Coast North – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast South, Ipswich, Logan, Mareeba, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Wynnum Manly. To learn more about Rosies – Friends on the Street, go to rosies.org.au
