When a hot shower and hope go hand in hand
Posted on 23 Jul 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
Social enterprise Orange Sky has seen a 21% surge in the number of people using its mobile laundry and shower services for those who are doing it tough.
The homelessness support focused not-for-profit increased the number of locations it visits by 28% to meet the spike in demand.
Just as importantly, Orange Sky created a safe space for more than 91,334 hours of conversation and social connectedness, components the organisation said are crucial to help maintain the overall wellbeing of the people they assist.
Just as the cost-of-living crisis has fuelled demand for everything from food and energy bill relief to rental assistance, tough economic times are forcing more people in hardship to seek out Orange Sky's services, said co-founder Nic Marchesi.
“During the challenges faced by the cost-of-living crisis, the effects of homelessness can impact anyone under any circumstance,” he said.
“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. Additionally, 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.”
Mr Marchesi said the latest census data revealed homelessness had increased by more than 5%.
More than 122,000 Australians experience homelessness on any given night, with up to 7% of these people living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out.
“We aren’t just seeing those who are experiencing homelessness and don’t have a safe place to sleep at night,” he said.
“We are seeing families, retirees, students, middle-aged women and even people with current employment coming to us.”
Every week, more than 3,000 Orange Sky volunteers provide a safe, genuine, and non-judgemental space for people who are too often ignored or feel disconnected from the community
The NFP is hoping to raise more than $370,000 this year to continue providing free laundry and shower services to communities in need, training volunteers and covering the service and maintenance costs of its mobile fleet.
“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,” said Mr Marchesi.
“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.”
“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.”
Orange Sky volunteer Lesley Kelly has seen first-hand the benefits that social connectedness has for 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,” she said.
“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.”
Kelly said this is the most rewarding part of volunteering – the knowledge that she is providing people with a supportive space where they can feel heard.
“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.
“By taking part in the Sudsy Challenge, everyday Aussies can help to make a difference and keep those meaningful conversations going within the community.”
More information
People with Purpose: Wash and learn
Canberra boosts social enterprise efforts to tackle social disadvantage