New data from homelessness support charity, Orange Sky, reveals an increased demand for people accessing their mobile laundry and shower services.
Despite inflation having fallen since its peak, the flow-on effect of high interest rates has continued to impact people across all walks of life – making it more important than ever for these essential services to be accessible for those in need.
Since the last financial year, the not-for-profit saw a 21% increase in demand on their services, operating more shifts, completing more loads of laundry, providing more hot showers, and importantly, engaging in more connection and conversations than ever before– a vital component of creating a safe space for those doing it tough.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to push Australians into hardship, Orange Sky is encouraging Aussies to take on The Sudsy Challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for people experiencing homelessness or hardship.
The Sudsy Challenge runs in September, with participants encouraged to ‘keep their kit on’ for three consecutive days, to spark genuine interactions and connections within their schools, workplaces, and family and friendship groups on the topic of homelessness.
Nic Marchesi, Co-Founder of Orange Sky, highlighted that the demand for support shows no signs of slowing down, with the most recent Census data highlighting a 5% increase in Australians experiencing homelessness.
“During the challenges faced by the cost-of-living crisis, the effects of homelessness can impact anyone under any circumstance,” said Marchesi.
“Someone may have a roof over their head, but they might not be able to keep up with their utility bills or struggle to afford a load of laundry.”
Marchesi added that parents with a large family might have access to hot water, but have cold showers because they can’t afford to refill their gas bottle.
“We aren’t just seeing those who are experiencing homelessness and don’t have a safe place to sleep at night.”
“We are seeing families, retirees, students, middle-aged women and even people with current employment coming to us,” highlighted Marchesi.
“We are hearing countless stories from people who never thought they would be in the position of reaching out to support services just to get by, however the rise in cost of living, coupled with the housing crisis, has left many people with no other choice.
According to Marchesi, this year, they’ve set a fundraising target of $370,000 which will go towards continuing to provide free laundry and shower services to communities in need, as well as training our volunteers and servicing and maintenance costs associated with our mobile fleet.
Even just $48 can provide a friend with a week of clean clothes, and so achieving this target would allow us to have a greater impact.
“Although someone may have a roof over their head, it doesn’t mean they aren’t experiencing hardship and they still deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.”
“Providing access to essential services of free laundry and warm showers is just part of what we do, and providing a safe space for genuine, non-judgemental conversations that have a positive impact is what we pride ourselves on.”
For the past decade, homegrown charity Orange Sky has been supporting Australians experiencing hardship and isolation. Last year alone, 91,334 hours of conversation were had over 15,019 shifts during the time it takes to wash and dry a friend’s clothes.
For those doing it tough, these genuine interactions are the difference between feeling like a burden or part of a community. In fact, the world’s longest study on happiness found relationships and social connections are crucial for overall wellbeing as those who lived the healthiest and longest were those with the strongest relationships.
Lesley Kelly, Volunteer at Orange Sky, has seen first-hand the benefits that social connectedness has on the wellbeing of those doing it tough.
“When we pull up in our van to set up for a shift, one of the first things we do is set up six orange chairs which represent so much more than a seat to rest your feet,” said Kelly.
Members of the community might come to put on a load of laundry or warm up with a shower, but often they stay to sit down and have a chat.
“To me, this is the most rewarding part of volunteering and knowing that we’re providing people with a supportive space to feel heard,” added Kelly.
“We never know who will show up to a shift, but we ensure all our friends are made to feel welcome and that regardless of their situation, conversations around those orange chairs are genuine, and without judgement.”
According to Kelly, by taking part in The Sudsy Challenge, everyday Aussies can help to make a difference and keep those meaningful conversations going within the community.”
Orange Sky is encouraging people to rally their co-workers and peers to support people experiencing homelessness by registering for The Sudsy Challenge before the end of September.
By keeping their kit on for three days, Australians can start meaningful conversations in the community and help to create a lasting impact.
