It’s 11.30 pm. I’ve just walked in the door. The house is quiet, my family all tucked up asleep. I was greeted by my two dogs, tails wagging like I’d been gone for a
week. My body is aching, but my heart is full.
At 5 pm I met up with Paul from Northwest Community Group at HQ. We loaded up the ute with tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, blankets, and water. Then we made our way to Compassion for Community to grab the hot meals. Roast chicken, veggies, and gravy. Real comfort food.
A top job as always from Olive and the crew. We appreciate your support!!
Our first stop was Musgrave Park, where we met Josef, a student keen to do his placement hours with us. There were quite a few people hanging around the park. We handed out some meals, a tent, a few sleeping bags. A couple of conversations. A couple of thank yous that hit deep.
Next stop was one of our usuals. Normally there’s two or three tents there. Tonight there were seven. Everyone was cold and hungry. Everyone was grateful. You could feel it.
We moved on to the abandoned house. A handful of people staying there tonight. The one next door was empty, but we checked anyway. We always check.
We stopped by the river, under the bridges near Lost Soul Island. Another seven meals. A couple more sleeping bags. Quiet thanks. Some eye contact that says more than words ever could.
Then to Emma Miller Park. We saw some familiar faces, handed out a stack of dinners, had some yarns. We also noticed more tents popping up nearby. More than we’ve seen in a long while. That hits you.
King George Square was next. One bloke was sleeping on just a single blanket. No cover, no warmth. We gave him a proper sleeping bag and a meal. The smile on his face was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.
Last stops were the two churches. The park across the road was busy. People waiting. People hoping we’d show up. They were all so glad we did.
All up tonight we gave out 90 hot meals, 19 sleeping bags, and more fistbumps than I can count. Each one a little moment of connection.
Big thanks to the crew back at the warehouse, and to my partner Jenny, who gave up her RDO to help out. None of this happens without the quiet hard work that happens behind the scenes.
Thank you to every single person who’s shared our posts, donated a dollar, dropped off a sleeping bag, some non-perishables, bottles of water, or anything else we’ve needed. You are part of this. You are helping us help those who need it most.
From my aching bones and full heart, thank you.
