volume 7 number 26 25 July 2026
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
THE HUMAN FACE OF HOMELESSNESS
4 It ends with us
8 Homelessness support
12 A life rebuilt
We each have a role to play in ending homelessness
The impact of the Salvos’ work across the country
Casey’s journey helps change the lives of others
“The very best gift of all is having a friend.” - Ethel Pochocki
25 July 2026
Editorial What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Vision Statement Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. Mission Statement The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Neighbours in need I recently attended a Salvos Red Shield Appeal breakfast. The others at my table were mostly high school students from a few different schools. One student, aged 15, explained that his concern around the number of rough sleepers locally had led him to fundraise at his school to help provide resources to the Salvos, specifically for their homelessness programs. Another student, 14, shared that he knew of several teenagers who were couch surfing with friends because home wasn’t safe or welcoming. Basically, they had no place to call home. One of the teachers told me that many of her students wanted to help older women sleeping in their cars, and had put together packs of blankets, coffee vouchers and toiletries for them.
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Founders: William and Catherine Booth Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 3 July 2026 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
It was inspiring to hear the awareness these young people had of a serious and growing issue in Australia, and their desire to help and make a difference. Jesus told us to love our neighbours. This includes those experiencing homelessness. Let’s consider our common humanity and respond accordingly. Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Homelessness: It ends with us by Sally-Anne Clark
Homelessness doesn’t just happen to ‘other people’. It can touch any one of us, at any time – and in a country as wealthy as Australia, it’s a reality we must change. While homelessness is a complex issue with many contributing factors and potential solutions, it’s important that we understand why so many Australians are experiencing it – and why the numbers continue to rise. It’s not a problem we can afford to ignore. For whatever reason, governments and communities have not been listening to the numbers. So, let’s talk about the human story. People, not data Picture a married couple. They’re homeowners, run a successful business and have three teenage sons in private school. The family is heavily active in their local AFL club, involved in their church, and they love camping together. Yet they find themselves in a situation they never imagined. The marriage breaks down due to mental ill-health, substance misuse and domestic violence. After a traumatic sequence of events, the family loses their home. This experience was my experience. Thanks to the generosity of friends, my sons and I were able to couch surf for some time. However, we were separated for several weeks while staying in other people’s homes. Meanwhile, my husband found himself in various unstable environments, including boarding houses and crisis accommodation services. 4
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness by the notion of ‘home’-lessness, not ‘roof’-lessness. It’s about lacking the core elements of a home as understood in Anglo-American contexts: a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety and control over one’s living space. Homelessness is, therefore, the absence of one or more of these fundamental things that make up ‘home’. Homelessness stems from systemic and structural issues like poverty, low income, and a lack of safe and affordable housing. And some groups are more at risk. These include those who have experienced family and domestic violence, young people, children on care and protection orders, First Nations people, individuals leaving health or social care settings, and older Australians. Who is homeless? If we’re going to change the homelessness crisis in Australia, we need to stop thinking about people experiencing homelessness as ‘those people’ or ‘others’. They are not ‘others’. They are your mum, your friend, your uncle, your daughter, your neighbour. It’s your friend in her mid-50s who recently divorced and doesn’t have enough income or savings to rent or buy a home of her own and needs to live in shared accommodation. It’s your
25 July 2026
Feature
PHOTO BY JON TYSON ON UNSPLASH
PHOTO BY LUCAS FAVRE ON UNSPLASH
PHOTO BY NATHAN DUMLAO ON UNSPLASH
elderly aunt who can no longer afford to live independently. It’s the teenager who can’t live at home due to abuse. It’s your colleague who had to leave a violent relationship and is now in accommodation where she doesn’t feel safe. It’s the middle-aged teacher, so overwhelmed by the stress of mortgage repayments, who, out of shame, leaves his family and lives in his car. It’s the young families who can’t afford the few rentals available on the market.
A human right There are multiple solutions that have been presented, discussed and actioned across Australia and the globe. They include rental subsidies, more social housing, designing and building appropriate housing models like supportive housing and Housing First, and ensuring we have live data while working collaboratively to make homelessness brief, rare and non-recurring. But unless we change Australia’s dominant paradigm, how is there hope for lasting change?
And yes, it’s also people struggling with mental ill-health and substance misuse. But let’s not forget – those experiences happen to people who are housed too. If you haven’t experienced any of these things yourself, take a moment to think about the people around you who have. And consider how easily it could one day be your own story.
If we don’t see housing as a basic human right for all Australians, how will we gain the momentum to change? If we don’t stop ‘othering’ people, how can we ever create homes for everyone? When the majority of Australians see housing as a human right for all – not just for people they think ‘deserve’ it – that’s when we will start to see lasting change. 5
Feature
Salvos Magazine
PHOTO BY ANDREW LVOV ON UNSPLASH
PHOTO BY REX PICKAR ON UNSPLASH
That’s when people will support more funding for housing supply and support services. That’s when homes will stop being seen as a way to increase personal wealth and start being viewed as a way to build healthy communities. That’s when local councils, state and federal governments will write policies differently. That’s when banks and corporations will step up to help people stay in their homes.
For those who want to know the rest of my story: my three sons now have their own lives, homes and families. They’re successful in their careers, but more importantly, they’re successful at life. They care about justice. They care about people. And they never walk past someone sleeping rough on the street without offering some human interaction or practical support – because they know that it could have been them. It was them.
Will you change the paradigm? Ending homelessness in Australia is possible. And while that might sound like a lofty dream to some, it’s already being achieved in other parts of the world, like Finland. Ending homelessness means creating a system where any experiences of homelessness are brief, rare and non-recurring.
Let’s shift the paradigm. Let’s contribute to ending homelessness by making it brief, rare and non-recurring in our communities. Let’s stop seeing people as ‘different’, when we really are the same.
My experience of homelessness was brief, rare and non-recurring. That was partly because housing was more affordable and available back in 2011. But it was also because I had a community of people who supported me. Many others aren’t as fortunate. 6
There are solutions. It needs to end with us. Sally-Anne Clark is Regional Manager for The Salvation Army Brisbane Homelessness Services.
Scan here to read the full story and access footnotes.
News
25 July 2026
Reach expands for homeless community The collaborative spirit of Newcastle Salvos in the NSW Hunter Region has been celebrated by the City of Newcastle Council, which has announced the co-location of Reach Homeless Services within the Newcastle Salvos site. Reach Homeless Services had been operating from public locations such as the city mall and local parks for 12 years. Executive Director Gary Parsisson said that having a permanent home at Newcastle Salvos now provides the service with dedicated access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs, creating a space for those in need and a location for volunteers to pack emergency food, hygiene kits and breakfast packs.
Community collaboration makes a difference in Newcastle.
“Our friends now have the chance to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee on a cold morning, share a Friday night meal under a roof and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified,” he said.
Fundraiser assists youth homelessness The Salvation Army’s Youth Homelessness team in Adelaide recently held a successful fundraising event in collaboration with Revolution Church in Salisbury. The Youth Homelessness and Revolution Church Quiz Night was bigger than ever, with 180 attendees, multiple corporate partnerships, and more than $11,000 raised on the evening. “Even in the midst of [the cost-ofliving crisis], people are willing to give to something that moves them or is a good cause,” said Megan Elms, Program Manager Youth Homelessness. “We’ve raised money that’s going straight to young people who are in need, but
The event raised $11,000 for youth.
[also], people have walked away with knowledge and maybe a different viewpoint than they had before of what youth homelessness is.” 7
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Homelessness: A pathway forward The Beacon Homelessness Centre in Perth The Beacon stands as a lighthouse of hope for people experiencing homelessness. As The Salvation Army’s largest homelessness facility in Australia, the team is committed to offering not just a bed but a pathway forward. Through case management, crisis intervention, allied health services and personal development programs, The Beacon helps individuals leave stronger and more capable than when they arrived. It’s a place where dignity is restored and futures are rebuilt. “We want people to walk out with more than they came in with – more confidence, more support and more hope,” says a team member. At The Beacon, every person is seen, supported and reminded that change is possible.
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Nearly 357,000 sessions of care provided to people who were at risk of or experiencing homelessness Nearly 702,900 crises’ beds provided to people who experienced homelessness
Feature
Salvos partner with ABC to keep Tasmanians rugged up over winter Each winter, The Salvation Army teams up with ABC Hobart to deliver warmth and care through the Rug Up Tassie blanket drive. With a goal of 500 hand-knitted blankets, Tasmanians from all walks of life contribute 20cm squares, some just one, others entire blankets, to wrap those doing it tough in comfort and community. “It’s freezing in Tasmania (over winter), so there’s a practical element,” says Amelia Natoli, The Salvation Army’s External Communications Manager. “But it’s also
25 July 2026
a message: ‘You mean a lot to someone. You are worth hours of their time.’” Blankets are thoughtfully matched to recipients, with frontline workers selecting colours and patterns that reflect personal stories, even favourite footy teams. For those rebuilding after family violence or hardship, these blankets offer more than warmth; they offer hope. ABC Hobart Manager Samantha Stayner calls the drive “a beautiful expression of what a community can do,” and praises the Salvos’ presence across Tasmania: “It’s literally a beautiful, warm and fuzzy feeling.”
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Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.” Proverbs chapter 31, verses 8-9 Easy-to-Read version
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25 July 2026
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My Story
Salvos Magazine
Walking together Casey’s lived experience is changing homelessness support by Naomi Singlehurst
After years of struggling with homelessness, addiction and profound personal loss, Salvation Army livedexperience peer support worker Casey has worked hard to rebuild his life. Today, he draws on those experiences to encourage and empower others at the Salvos Foster House (crisis accommodation for men) in Sydney. Growing up in Sydney’s south-west, Casey describes himself as growing up in a “very violent household”. His father took his own life when Casey was 16. Casey began his own struggles with addiction and, over time, experienced homelessness, incarceration and the many challenges that came with them. By the age of 43, he had reached a turning point and began his recovery journey. “I went to rehab just because I didn’t know how to live in society and I didn’t want to be in jail,” he shared. That decision changed everything. More than five years later, Casey remains drug-free – despite also losing both his brothers and his sister to the consequences of addiction, and his mother to cancer. “I am a survivor, and recovery has shown me how to live,” he says. Rebuilding a stable and loving life Faith, routine and accountability 12
continue to play an important role in keeping Casey grounded. “I do have faith. I go to a thing every Wednesday night where I learn about Jesus. He’s my higher power. He’s helped me a lot.” One of the most important and treasured parts of Casey’s journey has been rebuilding relationships with his daughters. “I definitely had to put in a lot of action and build a lot of trust. It was a slow process,” he says. “They’re both really loving and both forgiving and they’re just really proud of me and happy that I’m there for them. Everything’s really beautiful.” Walking alongside others Casey is passionate about his work at Foster House. He has a deep understanding of many of the challenges Foster House residents face because he has lived many of them himself. “I was homeless and stayed in shelters a long time ago, and stayed in many different places in the city,” Casey shares. “These included Salvos services such as Foster House and non-Salvos services such as Matthew Talbot Hostel and others. “I am grateful that these places protected me and gave me relief.” Casey says, “My role here is basically to build trust with the men. Give them someone to listen to and build a
My Story
25 July 2026
Casey spoke at a recent Red Shield Appeal event to assist the work of the Salvos. Casey with Monique Wright (left), Australian journalist and TV presenter, and Kristie Clifton, the Salvos State Manager Homelessness NSW ACT.
relationship where I get close enough to find out what their needs are. “And get close enough to be able to share with them a little bit of my experience and how I actually changed the direction of my life. Maybe empower them, help them see that they actually have choices, and share with them what I had to do to get to where I am.” Most days Casey spends his time with the residents. That might include helping someone prepare for a job interview, taking them fishing, attending a recovery group or simply sitting and listening. Giving back, looking forward “I’m giving back what’s been given to me, which is a life,” Casey says. “I am also studying for the first time – a Certificate 4 in Community Services. Foster House is supporting me in learning computers and giving me unlimited opportunity to grow by doing different kinds of courses. I am so grateful for being supported to grow emotionally and professionally.”
Today, Casey has a secure home, a career he loves, strong relationships with his daughters and a trek to Everest Base Camp on the horizon. He has worked hard to challenge himself, including walking the Great Wall of China and exploring the jungles of Borneo. “I’ve always got something to look forward to,” he says. Asked what he would say to someone who feels lost and hopeless, Casey doesn’t hesitate. “I would say that hope and faith is an action. If you ask for help, there’s people out there to help you. If you don’t know how to do it, there’s someone who can show you how to do it. And just never give up.” Scan here for more information on Salvation Army Homelessness Services. 13
Taste of Life
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Veal meatloaf
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
Ingredients 60g butter; 500g minced veal/beef; 30g Parmesan cheese; 125g tomatoes, skinned, seeded, chopped; 4 eggs; 3 leaves silverbeet, shredded; 1 slice bread, soaked in milk; seasoning to taste; breadcrumbs; vegetables of your choice Method Pre-heat oven to 180°C. In a frypan melt butter and cook mince until just brown. Allow to cool. In a bowl mix together all remaining ingredients, excluding breadcrumbs. Grease loaf tin and pour in mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake for 1 hour, until cooked through. Serve with rosemary gravy or mushroom sauce and vegetables.
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Believe in Good: Tips
1. What is designed to prevent water from entering your eyes while snorkelling? 2. How should you breathe through your snorkel? 3. What is the best way to clear your snorkel tube? 4. What is the recommendation in interacting with marine life while snorkelling?
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Tum-Tum
30 July – International Day of Friendship
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verses 9-10 New Living Translation 14
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
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Have a laugh
Why don’t fish play basketball? Who cleans the ocean?
Why is the ocean always on time?
Why wouldn’t the sea creatures share their treasure?
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They were a little shellfish.
29 July 1836 Designed by JeanFrancois Chalgrin, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile was inaugurated. The monument honours those who died while fighting for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
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It likes to stay current.
25 July 1984 Svetlana Savitskaya was the first woman to walk in space. The Soviet cosmonaut was part of the Soyuz T-12 mission. She spent three and a half hours in space, testing tools. She was also the first woman to go to space twice.
Sudoku 2026 Puzzle #4
A mer-maid
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On this day
25 July 2026
Because they are afraid of the net.
Take Five
Bible byte
“Love from the centre of who you are; don’t fake it … Be good friends who love deeply.” Romans chapter 12, verses 9-10 The Message translation
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Quiz: 1. A mask 2. Breathe slowly and deeply Puzzle #7 3.2026 A sharp, forceful exhale 1 3touch, 5 4 chase 6 7 or8 9 4.2Never 5 4 any 6 8marine 7 9 life 1 2 3 harass 7
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2026 Puzzle #4
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