The Shopfront

A Western Australian living on the gross national minimum wage in 2018 would have to survive on $719.20 weekly.

The Shopfront moved to its new premises in Bentley from Maylands in September. Photo: Max Hoh

With rising living cost and housing prices, the amount was certainly inadequate, which would increase the poverty rate and hence homelessness in the State. On 2016 census night, there was an estimated 9,0005 homeless persons sleeping rough, couch surfing or relying on supported accommodation that could be overcrowded. The Shopfront is the Archdiocesan agency fully committed to fighting homelessness and helping those in need. “The Shopfront showed me the real meaning of compassion,” Mrs Nathalia da Costa Coitinho Ramiro said in an interview with The Record. “Working for unknown individuals to bring them some relief and happiness, regardless of their background or choices, to make them feel that they are worthy and cared for by others is very rewarding.” Originated from Brazil, Mrs Ramiro came to Australia five years ago and is currently a postgraduate student at the University of Western Australia in pursuit of a Master for Social Work degree. Back home, she grew up Catholic, surrounded with strong Church principles such as inclusion, compassion, solidarity and empathy. She graduated with a Law degree in 2011 and attained a qualification in Penal and Criminal Law. “The reason I chose Australia for my postgraduate studies is that I always believed that I could do more to enhance an individual’s well-being,” Mrs Ramiro expressed. “I’m fortunate because I grew up in a loving environment and have always been encouraged to pursue my dreams, and I genuinely believe this can make a difference in the lives of others. “I’m passionate about empowering individuals and showing them that everyone is worthy and has some talent and values. As a Lawyer, I always advocated for equality and inclusion,” she added. It was through her studies that she was able to do her work placement with The Shopfront for three months, from the middle of August to November this year. “I had a fantastic experience out there, which contributed enormously to my personal and professional development,” she said. “The opportunity to work with such generous workers and volunteers, who willingly give their time and care to those vulnerable people, who are struggling financially, emotionally, and physically, accomplish the purpose of God in our lives.” Daily, the Agency receives and accommodates different people with different needs, which include accommodation, food hampers and mental health support. However, Mrs Ramiro said, many people come to the Agency merely to find a safe place to be and genuine conversations, without judgement or prejudice put against them and their situations.

THE SHOPFRONT SAFE PLACE FOR THOSE IN NEED

WORDS Theresia Titus

“Homelessness is a global issue which has significant consequences and is caused predominantly by domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, and mental health issues. Homeless individuals are also more inclined to suffer from depression, anxiety, loneliness, as well as physical abuse issues,” Mrs Ramiro explained. “This social issue affects not only the individuals who are suffering from homelessness but the whole society. Thus [I believe], housing is a basic need and should be provided. “My role, together with the other volunteers, consisted of providing our visitors with a safe place to be, where they would feel included and worthy,” she continued. “Therefore, I believe that the emotional support we provided them was what stood out most for me, and it was clear for us how this was beneficial to them. The way they felt after a brief conversation in which we demonstrated that we cared about them, and we wanted to interact and listen to their stories was enriching.” Mrs Ramiro also oriented the visitors to the right agencies within the Archdiocese of Perth, that can offer specific services that The Shopfront could not provide. The Agency moved to its new premises in Bentley after being at Maylands since its beginning 20 years ago. “I do hope The Shopfront keeps running and helping individuals for such a long time. There are so many lovely volunteers there, in addition to Damian Walsh (The Shopfront Director) and Rosemary, who have so much knowledge, compassion, and care to share, and can contribute tremendously to people’s well-being,” Mrs Ramiro shared. “I am so happy and proud for having the opportunity to spend three months of my placement in a place where social work is valued, sharing knowledge and experience with such incredible people.”

Nathalia da Costa Coitinho Ramiro (second to the right) shared her work placement experience with The Shopfront. Photo: Ron Tan

EMMANUEL CENTRE: GOD IS WITH US

WORDS Theresia Titus, Jamie O’Brien and Eric Martin

Hope for greater understanding of the need for people with disability to participate in their local parish community is the message shared by

Lynette, Susan and Geoffrey, active members of 39 years from the Emmanuel Centre and the

Ministry with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

The Record journalist Theresia Titus took the opportunity to hear their stories with Mrs Barbara Harris as the interpreter. For hard of hearing or Deaf people, attending a Mass at a parish which doesn’t provide the support for them to be involved, hear, participate, understand a spoken homily without proper AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) interpretation, or at the very least, having the texts shown on a screen, is challenging.

“I want to be involved in the Church. God is accepting me, and

I want to work with the world as I believe, we all belong to

God,” Geoffrey said. Susan and Lynette added that they often feel bored when they have to sit through the Mass without being able to participate fully. “People used to think that I was lazy, that I was not paying attention during Mass when I was a child. In reality, I was feeling isolated from the rest of the congregation because I did not understand what the priest was saying,” Lynette said. Nevertheless, Lynette, Susan and Geoffrey are certain their Catholic faith has grown since they first came to know and be involved with the Centre and the Ministry. Mrs Harris, who is currently the only person providing AUSLAN interpretation for Masses at Joondanna Parish St Denis’ Catholic Church and Subiaco Parish St Joseph’s Catholic Church, is one of a number of people working for an Archdiocesan agency assisting people who are Deaf to feel part of their parish. She and the late Father Paul Pitzen were the two co-workers who started the work that provides much-needed respect and love for people who otherwise may have no one else

Members of the Emmanuel Centre community: Geoffrey, Susan and Lynette. Photo: Theresia Titus

Archbishop Costelloe sprinkled holy water from a garland of rosemary grown from Fr Pitzen’s funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral two years ago. Photo: Theresia Titus

to recognise their gifts and talents that they can share with the Church. Mrs Harris stated that when the Government provided interpreters in news announcements to help people who are Deaf and used sign language to understand the COVID-19 announcement, there was a great interest in people wanting to learn to sign. “Unfortunately for hearing people to learn AUSLAN takes many years. However, being aware that some people miss out at church is a first step. To make everyone accepted and able to get involved, positive change can happen for those who are differently abled,” Mrs Harris said. “For example, you could make a little committee in your parish, and find solutions within the parish community on how to help people who have different abilities to understand more about the Mass. I mean, I can work with the parish so that everyone in the parish can understand the Mass.” Parishioners who are Deaf and hearing-impaired like to join in social discussions, bible studies, singing, liturgy of the Word and be Eucharistic Ministers and greeters at the church. Between them, Susan, Lynette and Geoff have been supported and encouraged to participate actively in these volunteer roles within their parish. They said that being active participants makes them feel accepted and included in the parish community. For 39 years, Barbara Harris and the late Fr Paul Pitzen were jointly involved with both the Emmanuel Centre and Ministry for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. Here they strived for and encouraged all sections of the Catholic community to recognise people with differing abilities as part of the Body of Christ. Both Archbishop Costelloe and Barbara Harris recently paid heartfelt tributes to the work that Fr Pitzen performed in service to WA’s Deaf community as well as others who found a safe place at Emmanuel. “It is almost two years to the day that Fr Paul died, and his loss is still felt deeply by many people,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Archbishop Costelloe with members of the Emmanuel Centre community during the recent blessing and opening of the Memorial Garden. Photo: Eric Martin.