Homelessness
(by Samantha Bing)
Homelessness is the state of being without a stable, secure, and private place to live. It can also refer to living in crisis accommodation, temporary housing like ‘couch surfing’, or non-conventional housing, such as living in cars or on the street.
In Australia, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness, with one in six women, compared to one in 16 men, having experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner.
Homelessness can happen to anyone. The number of people at risk of homelessness in New South Wales has surged by 64%, with nearly 700,000 people now just one rent rise or one emergency away from becoming homeless. Much of this increase is driven by rental stress, as people struggle to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of housing and living.
My name is Samantha Bing, and I’m a committed advocate for ending homelessness globally. With over 10 years of experience working alongside people experiencing homelessness, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and physical toll this issue takes on individuals, families, and communities.
I often hear people ask why someone would choose to sleep on the street, as if it’s an easy decision. From my work and conversations with people experiencing homelessness, I can tell you that homelessness is not a choice. People don’t just wake up one day and decide they’d rather sleep on the street then wake up in their bed. The leading cause of homelessness in NSW is domestic and family violence. When a person flees violence, their only option might be to move themselves there for their own safety. This is not a choice anyone would make lightly. Yet, for many, it’s the only option they feel they have.
Homelessness is both physically and mentally traumatic.
- The conditions on the street are harsh: last night, for example, it was cold, windy, and rainy, and the ground was hard and wet.
- There’s constant noise, and no matter where you are, it’s hard to find peace.
- Mentally, the stigma is just as bad: people stare, make comments, or ignore you altogether. It’s dehumanizing and terrifying.
In my years of work, I’ve learned that people experiencing homelessness are just like you and me. They are someone’s parent, sibling, or child, and they’ve fallen on hard times—through no fault of their own.
When you see someone experiencing homelessness, there are small but powerful ways you can make a difference. Here are a few simple acts of kindness that might make their day a little bit easier:
- Smile, nod, or say hello – It’s a small gesture that acknowledges their humanity.
- Ask “How are you today?” – For many, it might be the first time anyone has spoken to them that day.
- Don’t judge – You don’t know their story, and everyone’s path to homelessness is different.
- Offer a kind word or support – It can be as simple as letting them know you see them.
- Buy them a hot drink or food – Often, I’ll ask if they’d like anything from a nearby store. Every time, they ask for a drink, a sandwich, or a hot pie. If you’re not comfortable giving money – try using a gift card to allow them to have some choice and control about how they use it and in their own time.
- Offer a coffee or a cold drink – On a hot day, cold water or a drink might provide some relief.
- Don’t be afraid – They’re human beings facing unimaginable challenges. Homelessness could happen to anyone.
- Educate yourself – There’s a lot of misinformation about homelessness. Learn the facts so you can help dismantle the stigma.
Unfortunately, homelessness is becoming increasingly dire. In New South Wales alone, rough sleeping has surged by 51% since 2020, with regional communities seeing a particularly sharp rise.
The 2024 Australian Homelessness Monitor shows that homelessness in Australia is rising faster than ever, placing unprecedented strain on support services:
- Newly homeless individuals now exceed 10,000 each month.
- Rough sleeping has increased by 22% over the past three years.
- Support services are overwhelmed, struggling to secure housing and increasingly unable to meet demand.
As the crisis continues to escalate, we know we can end homelessness—but to do so, we urgently need more social housing and increased funding for prevention programs.
As rental affordability stress continues to push more people to the brink, we must act now.
I would like to conclude that these have been my experiencing working in the homelessness sector. Just as everyone’s experiences in life are different so might be their experience of homelessness, but if I can leave you with one thing to take away – it’s be kind. Homelessness is not an isolated issue—it’s a reflection of deep systemic challenges in our society. But we can make a difference. Whether it’s a small gesture of kindness or advocating for better policies, we all have a role to play. Let’s not turn a blind eye. Together, we can help ensure that no one is left out in the cold.
Samantha Bing
Co-Founder of the Homeless Christmas Drive
linktr.ee/homelesschristmasdrive
samdbing@hotmail.com
Prayers for the Homeless
(by Lilian Schmid)
Here are a few simple prayers for the homeless:
Precious Holy Spirit, I come to You with a broken heart for all our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living with no security, no shelter, and no safety from the outside world. Please be with all the homeless.
Dear Christ, in Your infinite compassion, wrap Your loving arms around the homeless. Bestow upon them a comfort that transcends earthly understanding, allowing peace to infiltrate their hearts.
Keep our hearts soft enough to keep hearing the cry of the hungry and the homeless. Amen.
Lord, shine Your light on those who feel lost and hopeless.
Dear God, renew the strength of those who are weary and burdened.