In Australia, over 122,000 people experience homelessness each night, with 24% of them between the ages of 12 and 24. That’s not only a staggering number, but a staggering age bracket.
To mark National Homelessness Week this week, Merry People is partnering with Bridge It, an Australian non-profit dedicated to providing housing and support for young women aged 17-21 who are experiencing homelessness.
What is the initiative to help support homelessness?
Merry People will donate 20% of proceeds of the limited-edition boot, going directly to Bridge It to support their mission and help combat homelessness.
Pexels: Pixabay
Merry People’s founder Dani Pearce shares, “When I started Merry People, my goal was to create a business that positively impacts society. By supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds with life skills, education, and employment opportunities, we hope to pave the way for their bright future.”
How you can support
If you purchase the co-branded Bobbi Boot 20% will go to the charity. The boot will be available in the below jade green colourway with coral accents.
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Carla Raynes, founder and CEO of Bridge It says, “homelessness is escalating in Australia, and we can’t expect government alone to solve it. Merry People are leading the way in showing how business can play a role in ending homelessness.”
Bridge It also has a peer mentorship program, which provides valuable guidance and support to residents, helping them develop skills for independent living. The program, Cocoon, plays a crucial role in supporting residents, fostering community, and preparing them for life beyond the program.
“I have seen the lives of all of the young women who have come through the Cocoon transform in so many ways, such as finding employment, building relationships with positive partners and building their self-esteem” says Carla.
By purchasing a pair of these special boots, you’ll contribute to the ongoing support of the peer mentorship program.
Times are incredibly tough, but it’s important to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or noticing any other effects on your own mental health or that of the people around you. You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 for support, or chat to Lifeline online at lifeline.org.au – all services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pexels: Phael
Homelessness FAQs
How is homelessness defined in Australia?
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare defines homelessness as, ‘… when a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement:
- is in a dwelling that is inadequate;
- has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or
- does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations’
It is worth noting though, that there is no one definition of homelessness.
What is the best solution for homelessness?
There are multiple things we as a society can be doing to combat, or try to combat, homelessness. Some examples include designing a crisis response, developing a community-wide coordinated approach, ensuring that our political parties and representatives see to the funding directly help the problem, increase employment rates and wages, and put funding additionally into the mental health and domestic violence charities and initiatives. Grass roots charities are always a great place to start for the common man.
What is the issue of homelessness?
While a broad concept, Sacred Heart Mission suggests that the real issue with homelessness is, ‘an absence of a home, a safe place to live, security, choices and control over one’s life. It is also often an absence of family and friends.’
What is the number 1 cause of homelessness in Australia?
The number one cause of homelessness in Australia is due to family and domestic violence, followed closely by mental health issues.
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