In dark times like we’ve seen the past two weeks, it’s comforting to be reminded that for all the evil afoot, there is as much if not more good in the world. And we certainly don’t have to look far to find a shining example of it.
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Right in the middle of the Nowra, local churches have banded together to open a shelter for homeless people in times of terrible weather.
This is something for which the South Coast Register campaigned vigorously. We raised the issue last year, concerned that winter was coming and the homeless people who gathered at the showground would be forced to endure icy winds and rains.
We suggested churches would be best placed to help. They could offer sanctuary to the dispossessed and pastoral care at the same time.
We were somewhat dismayed at the first meeting of the homelessness task force established by the previous council. It seemed the idea of a shelter had gone straight to the too-hard basket. There were insurance and compliance issues, the meeting heard, that made the idea unlilely to become a reality.
So it gave us great satisfaction to learn those obstacles had been overcome and local churches had worked together to set up a place that will offer respite from the weather when it turns bad.
As the story has unfolded, the good these churches have generated has spread, with people offering to volunteer their time to help manage the shelter.
In a week in which we’ve witnessed the worst in people with the bombings in Manchester, Baghdad and and Kabul, right here at home we’ve seen the best in people.
Not only have there been offers of help. People following the story on our Facebook page have also been offering food and warm clothing as well.
Of course, this is not the first time the community has rallied to help homeless people. Also last year, in conjunction with the Homeless Hub, we ran a Pack The Pantry campaign. We had planned to run it for three months but the donations of food were so generous, we had to cut it short. There was not enough room to store the mountain of food given by the community.
We applaud the churches and the community for rising to the challenge.
If together we can bring some comfort to people accustomed to sleeping out in the elements through winter we will ensure the candle of humanity burns a little brighter in our midst.
