Three lives touched by poverty
You’d be surprised to learn how much poverty there is today in Australia. But some people don't have to be reminded: they are living this reality daily. Take Marree 47, who works as a cleaner. She's one of the most resilient people you could meet.
She has experienced a tough set of family circumstances as well as severe health problems. She does not own a home, she has no savings for retirement and rents on the very outskirts of the city where most of the affordable housing is located these days. Ask her if poverty exists in Australia, and she gives an unsentimental acknowledgement. 'It's pretty tough out there.'
Then there's Graeme, 66, a man of quiet wit and a whiz at jigsaw puzzles, who frequents our Coolibah day centre for seniors .
He is unsparingly matter-of-fact when he mentions he has no family or friends he can count on. Unspoken is that he can count on the Coolibah support workers.
And there's Zahna, 18. Just as she was hoping to soar into adult life, she found herself unemployed. Her hopes for the future are punctured, but this early school leaver is staying resolutely motivated. Presently, she's polishing her job credentials by doing voluntary work, hoping that her extra effort might help land that interview for an admin job.
These are thumbnails of three complex lives. Their struggles and successes against adversity merit many, many more paragraphs. But, hopefully, they tell a singular truth that we try to never lose touch with at the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Beyond stereotypes, the truth is that most people who experience disadvantage in their lives have very mainstream hopes and dreams.
Just like you, they want to build a good life for themselves: a place to call home, a decent job if they have the capacity to work, a sense of family and connection.
In this prosperous nation how can we afford to deny them that?
Support our Christmas appeal today .