Warm Drinks and Genuine Conversations

Rae is a home care worker from our West Moreton Home Care team – in her spare time, she volunteers with Rosies – Friends on the Street. Through warm drinks and genuine conversations, Rosies reaches out to those who are experiencing homelessness, loneliness or social isolation.

Rae has been volunteering with Rosies for 2 years and has met people from all walks of life over that time. The key, she says, is having empathy and an open mind. Hearing people’s stories helps you connect to them.

“We're all people at the end of the day and we all need to be cared for and supported,” Rae said.

When asked why she volunteers with Rosies and not at a school or art gallery, Rae said that she just wanted to give something back to people who are purposefully ignored by many.

A defining moment for Rae was in 2016 – in her home suburb while on a walk, she saw a man on the same park bench each day whose name she later learned to be Jeremy. All Rae did was introduce herself and ask him how he was, and both their lives changed.

For the first few days, Rae offered to buy Jeremy a coffee; then Rae and Jeremy went for coffee together. Soon, she knew his story. With the help of her local community, Rae facilitated access to showers and supplies. The local pharmacy helped with medication. He was found temporary accommodation until he could return home. All of this started with a conversation and empathy.

Rae has met many people during her time volunteering – while the man who was injured and can’t work jokingly calls the car where he lives the “Hotel Captiva”, this is just a reminder that systemic change is needed.

“It's heartbreaking. It really is. And this could be anybody, you know, like you could think your life is all roses today, but then tomorrow, suddenly you're separated…. Life changes very, very quickly.”

Rae says we need to have kindness for others, particularly if we haven’t been in their shoes.

Rae’s story is just one example of the ways everyday people can make an impact and support those experiencing homelessness. Thank you, Rae!