Amanda Curtin and Six Days
Amanda's third novel was released this week into bookshops. Here she ruminates on homelessness and a bitter winter in Paris that drew her into writing her new novel.
" But people experiencing homelessness may have many other needs: meals, medical attention, laundry and showering facilities, hygiene products in portable sizes, storage facilities, appropriate bedding, and practical clothing and footwear.
It’s here that we can step up, if we have the means to do it, by donating money or supplies or volunteering our time to organisations who see these other needs and work hard to address them.
In Western Australia, there are many, including Street Friends WA (clothing, footwear, doonas, hygiene products), Street Doctor (medical services), Orange Sky (laundry facilities), Brollie Brigade (showers), Seeds of Hope (meals, food parcels, clothing, blankets) and Footpath Library (books and magazines).
These groups, and others also accredited by the City of Perth, provide rostered services at 158 Royal Street, East Perth – one of several hubs for homelessness services located in and around the city and run by various organisations.
In spite of safe, secure housing being internationally recognised as a basic human right, homelessness persists.
But rather than succumb to those feelings of helplessness, allowing our eyes to slide away, we can take positive action by donating to or volunteering with service groups working directly with people in need.
We can choose to see."
