Spending a night on the streets of Perth, distributing food and essentials to those without a home, was nothing short of eye-opening.
Our night began in a park on the outskirts of the city where we met a handful of men in need of a feed, coffee, a sleeping bag and a chat. As we handed out hot meals from The Salvation Army's new outreach vehicle - donated by REIWA - the contrast was striking: just behind us, people filled bustling restaurants, enjoying their Friday night and tables overflowing with food. The juxtaposition was surreal.
We soon moved onto the suburbs where we met a family with four young children as well as a dog living in two cars, and a couple sleeping rough in a carpark. In the heart of the CBD, men bundled in sleeping bags slept on busy streets, and we met a couple of women and a young man simply looking for a meal and a place to shower.
The experience made me appreciate my warm bed that night and reflect on the incredible people who dedicate themselves to helping others, every day of the year. Each person we met had a story, and each story reminded me that struggles come in many forms. There was no judgement. Just offers of support, suggestions for services and something to fill their bellies.
The Salvos' outreach vehicle hits the streets
Helping the vulnerable is a lifelong vocation for The Salvation Army's Brett McCaul, his colleague, Ryan and team of volunteers. Brett kindly let REIWA join a Friday night street outreach program to see the new custom-designed vehicle in action for its first official night of duty. Thanks to REIWA's Community REInvest sponsors, the vehicle is making a tangible difference.
Volunteers Rod and Cam said the vehicle's improved design made accessing the hot boxes, hot water and supplies much easier.
On the menu that night were meat pies - an overwhelming favourite - along with pasta and chilli con carne donated by Perth high schools such as Hale, Iona and St Mark's.
We also gave out sleeping bags, blankets, shoes, jackets, backpacks and water - all graciously received.
The exchange of food and supplies allowed team leaders to engage with those sleeping rough, providing helpline numbers and information about services they could access. Many were known by name, expressing gratitude for the small comforts offered. Some showed interest in further help, while others simply appreciated the hot meal and conversation, the feeling of being seen and heard.
The people we met were warm, cheerful and unassuming - people who could easily be your neighbours or someone in your local supermarket. It was a sobering reminder that many are just one setback away from homelessness.
Community REInvest
For just $10 a week, your office can join as a Community REInvest sponsor and volunteer at various Salvation Army programs. As young volunteer Cam said on the night, "Everything I do is for me, so volunteering with The Salvation Army is something I can do for someone else."
You'll gain more than you give, and it's a meaningful way to show you care about your community.
