Vinnies Winter Sleepout

“I realised the discomfort and constant struggle. Having to adapt to those cold circumstances without any hope that things may change the next day, but only get worse potentially. Despite how desperate or in need you may be, the issue remains the same in lack of social life, being categorised and hope feeling so distant. As such I empathise for those homeless and it was a humbling experience which made me realise the importance of loved ones and gratitude for my situation and problems, for others may be far greater and larger in magnitude.”

• Dominic Watson (Year 12 student)

“Doing this vinnies winter sleepout really opened my mind to what people actually have to go through everyday. Of course I’ve thought about the conditions that they have to sleep in, but really immersing myself into an experience like this truly helped me understand them. I’ve also come to a realisation that homelessness isn’t just a statistic but actual individuals having to live a life this way.”

• Lavinia Mamituowa (Year 12 student)

“During my time with the Vinnies Van, I initially took a step back, letting Jericho, Euleila, and Pat handle the coffee-making. This wasn’t because I didn’t want to help, but because I wanted to see the bigger picture. Standing back gave me a unique vantage point to observe and engage with the people who came to the van, allowing me to connect with them on a deeper level. I noticed the way people's faces lit up when they received a hot drink or a care package, and how they lingered to chat, craving not just nourishment but also human connection. It became clear to me that the Vinnies Van was not just about providing for physical needs; it was a sign of hope and community for those who felt invisible in today's society.

One evening, I met this lady. At first glance, she seemed just like any of us—well-dressed, articulate, and kind. She could easily have been someone’s workmate or a teacher. But as we talked, she revealed a story that shattered my preconceptions about homelessness. This person had a stable job, a home, and a normal life until a serious illness struck. The medical bills piled up, they lost their job, and eventually, their home.

Listening to this person was like watching a powerful movie unfold right in front of me. They spoke about their struggles with a calm resilience that I found both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite everything, they held onto hope. They weren’t just surviving; they were fighting to rebuild their life.

This encounter made me realise something profound. Homelessness isn’t just about lacking a home. It’s about feeling unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty.” This persons story brought these words to life for me.

In this person, I saw a reflection of God’s grace and strength. Their story reminded me that our faith calls us to look beyond appearances and circumstances, to see the true, beautiful, and good in everyone. It’s easy to offer food or clothes, but the real challenge is to offer empathy, love, and respect.

As we participate in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout, let’s remember this: the people we are trying to empathise with are not just statistics or stereotypes. They are human beings with stories, dreams, and dignity. 

This person wasn't just a face in the crowd; they were a person who had once lived a life similar to ours, full of aspirations and plans for the future. Their fall into homelessness wasn’t due to laziness or poor choices, but rather a series of unfortunate events that could happen to anyone. This made me realise how fragile our own lives can be and how close any of us might be to a similar situation.

Imagine waking up one day and everything you’ve worked for is suddenly stripped away. Your home, your job, your sense of security. How would you feel? What would you do? This is the reality for many of the people who come to the Vinnies Van. They aren't just "homeless people"; they are people experiencing homelessness. This distinction is crucial because it reminds us of their humanity.

We often think of homelessness as a distant issue, something that happens to "other people." But this persons story challenged me to see that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of their background. It challenged me to rethink my own perceptions and biases. 

So, I challenge all of us tonight to do the same. Look beyond the surface. When you see someone struggling, remember that they are more than their circumstances. They are someone's child, someone's friend, perhaps even someone's parent. They have dreams, fears, and a desire to be seen and valued just like anyone else.

During this Vinnies Winter Sleepout, let’s not just offer our time and resources, but also our compassion and understanding. Let’s strive to see the dignity and sacredness in every person we encounter, regardless of their situation. By doing so, we honor them and reflect the love that our faith teaches us.

In the end, our mission is not just to provide for their physical needs but to acknowledge their humanity and offer them the respect and care they deserve. Let's challenge ourselves to see the true, beautiful, and good in every person, and to extend the love and empathy that can help heal the emotional and social disparities they face.”