CAFS AT3 - Homeless People

CONTRIBUTIONS THE GROUP MAKES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY → draw conclusions abt homeless peoples positive influence on community attitudes

→ what are the positive contributions homeless people make within the community

HOW HOMELESS PEOPLE INFLUENCE

COMMUNITY ATTITUDES

CHOIR OF HARDKNOCKS

• HOW THEY HELP MAKE AN IMPACT

•   Public Performances: Homeless or disadvantaged performances → entertain, inspire + challenge stereotypes abt homelessness

•   Sharing Stories: Members of the choir share personal stories/ journeys through music → helps the wider community see homeless ppl as individuals w/ talents, resilience + dignity

•   Building Connections: Members interact w/ audiences → breaking down social barriers + fostering empathy.

This direct engagement helps shift public attitudes from Pity or stigma to respect + understanding

• Community contribution: Through their music + presence. members show that homeless ppl can make positive contributions to society, changing how society perceives them

IMPACT ON WELLBEING

SOCIAL: reduces isolation + builds friendships among members + public

PHYSICAL: encourages routine + healthy activity (regular rehearsals)

EMOTIONAL: boosts self-esteem + confidence by being seen + valued

ECONOMIC: some members gain opportunities for paid work through increased confidence + community support

CULTURAL +

SPIRITUAL: provides a sense of belonging + possible cultural expression through music

THE BIG ISSUE

HOW THEY HELP MAKE AN IMPACT.

•   Visibility: Homeless or disadvantaged pel sell The Big Issue on city streets, making them visible + approachable to the public. → direct interaction helps break down stigma + stereotypes

•   Personal Stories: vendors often share their experiences with → customers, helping the pubic understand the realities of homelessness+ the strenghs of those experiencing it.

•   Community Engagement: Stories highlight cases + provide useful information → vendors become valued members of the community. not just recipients of charity

•   Changing Perceptions: The regular presence of vendors in public spaces fosters familiarity + respect, challenging → negative attitudes + encouraging empath

• IMPACT ON WELLBEING

SOCIAL: builds relationships with customers + reduces social isolation

EMOTIONAL: increases self-worth + confidence by being recognised

ECONOMIC: provides a reliable income + a pathway to financial independence

CULTURAL + SPIRITUAL: empowers individuals to share their stories and join community

PHYSICAL: encourages routine + physical activity through regular work

SUMMARY:

• Both organisations influence community

attitudes by being visible, sharing stories

+ contributing positively to society

• Their participation challenges stereotypes

builds empathy + fosters respect, improving both their own wellbeing + the attitudes of the wider community.

• This approach helps shift public perception from seeing homeless ppl as “problems" to recognising their strengths + potential.

ADVOCACY

→ how community organisations advocate for the homeless + the positive influence it can have on community attitudes

advocacy: standing up for rights, someone else or an issue seen within the broader community - community groups/ organisations often advocate to address a specific need or an equity issue

Specific Needs = SHE SEA (Sense of Identity, Health, Employment, Safety and Security, Education, Adequate standard of living

3 ways - advocacy occurs: R.E.P

• raising awareness within the community

• educating the community

• promoting the rights of the homeless

MISSION AUSTRALIA

•   a national charity providing housing, support services, and advocacy for homeless Australians

• AREAS OF ADVOCACY

•   Raising Awareness: Runs campaigns such as the annual Youth Survey + Homelessness WeeK
  →encourage ppl to use their voice by doing simple things such as reposting Mission Australia’s content on social media which can ignite important conversations

•   Educating the community: e.g. Homelessness Week
  → via their social media they snare stories of homelessness, + provide helpful info + resources + encourage community to get informed + learn now to help the homeless

•   Promoting the rights of the group: e.g Homelessness week
  → people are encouraged to advocate + write to councils etc. to insist on increased investment in social + affordable housing in their area.
  POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON COMMUNITY ATTITUDES -

•   Public campaigns encourage empathy + help shift attitudes from blame to support

•   Community gatherings + media appearances by M.A • staff → puts a face on homelessness + therefore creates understanding

SALVATION ARMY: Christian charity, one of the largest providers of homelessness services

- provides emergency accomodation, food, financial support. + assist with long-term housing solutions

AREAS OF ADVOCACY

• Raising Awareness: Organises events like the Rea Shield Appeal (People share real stories) + Salvos Sleepout (people sleep rough to gain insight)

→ both personalise homelessness, showing recovery is possible + public is encouraged to contribute positively and to advocate for change as the direct interactions + experiences build empathy

•   Educating the Community: Runs educational sessions in schools + communities to tell stories + truth about homelessness + teach abt its root causes (e•g. domestic violence, job loss) → Early + general education helps prevent prejudice + fosters a culture of compassion + understanding

•   Promoting the Rights of the Group: Makes policy submissions + works w/ government to advocate for increased social housing + better wellbeing support
  → Reinforces the idea that homelessness is a societal issue requiring structural solutions, not just charity

• POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON COMMUNITY ATTITUDES

• Humanising homelessness by sharing real Stories + involving people w/ lived experience in campaigns + events challenge negative stereotypes + build community empathy.

•   Encouraging action through fundraisers + educational programs that motivate individuals + communities to support policy change, volunteer, + donate fostering collective responsibility.

• •   Demonstrating strength + resilience through highlighting stories of recovery + achievement (e.g. ppl moving from homelessness to independence) - shifts attitudes from pity to respect + hope.