Youth group gets behind couch project
Karen Walker and her daughter Sarah are two people who have open hearts for the homeless. As the date for their arranged couch project event looms, they’ve called upon the Wollongong Salvation Army Youth Group, which Sarah leads, to support them.
With the youth group meeting every fortnight, they have been unravelling as much information as they can about youth homelessness to prepare their hearts for an eye-opening experience.
On Friday 18 September, the Wollongong youth leaders have organised for their young people to have a sleepover in the hall at their centre. Those involved are fundraising in preparation for this event, already close to reaching their goal of $500 by going out into their schools and neighbourhoods to raise money.
Sarah hopes that this event encourages the young people to expand their knowledge and to think wider about the hard situations that many of homeless young people face. She hopes that this new experience and knowledge will give them the confidence to educate others about the issue of youth homelessness.
“If a few of them can go back into their respective schools or whatever world they come from and talk about it there, the awareness spreads and more people engage with it,” said Sarah.
“We’ve talked a little bit about the concept of couch-surfing and how people can be homeless without really realising that they are, and that’s been eye-opening for a lot of kids who have this perception of a homeless person as ... some person on the street with a beard and a big overcoat thing. That’s not necessarily how it is.”
Hundreds of people across NSW, ACT and Queensland are participating in The Couch Project this month, by giving up their beds for the couch and choosing to look through the lens of a young couch-surfer and discovering how they can make a difference across Australia.
The Salvation Army provides access to over 20 programs and services that offer critical points of intervention and support for homeless and disadvantaged young people between 16 and 25 years of age.
If you want to get involved visit thecouchproject.com.au
By Abby Muendel
Abby is a Year 10 student currently completing work experience with the Communications and Public Relations Department at Territorial Headquarters in Sydney.
Comments
What an inspiring ministry. Youth homelessness is such a huge issue and this is definitely a great way to raise awareness. Karen and Sarah are to admired for following the leading of God in this ministry. My family will be supporting you guys in prayer for great success.
This also was an excellently written article. The writer is to be congratulated on her effort.
A great article about an important issue.
What an important issue and an excellent article. I actually read it the whole way through. I don't normally do something like that.