Did you know 19,600 South Australians (around 1% population) have been at risk of, or experienced homelessness this year? Tragically, poverty and adverse circumstances can sometimes take more from an individual than subsequent efforts and best intentions are able to provide.
The State Government recently released its Future Directions for Homelessness strategy that reveals the alarming reality that amongst these people:
- 60% are female, 40% are male and 5% are aged over 55
- 24% are Aboriginal, our first nation’s people
- 34% have experienced Domestic and Family Violence
- 29% are experiencing Mental Illness
- 29% (5700) of these are vulnerable and innocent children.
Baptist Care SA is missionally committed to playing a key leadership role to address the many challenges. We work collaboratively with other quality organisations that share our commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Whilst poverty is not the cause of child abuse, it does increase a range of risk factors which make the adverse impact of social disadvantage more likely to have a detrimental effect upon the safety and wellbeing of children.
We are inspired by the servant heart of Jesus Christ and encouraged by the heritage of faithful people that secured property for Christian mission in Adelaide’s CBD in 1848.
With one eye keenly fixed upon biblical justice and the other on social justice… and with both eyes focused upon people living on the streets and struggling to raise children under layers of adversity, Baptist Care SA has embarked upon major service planning and facility redevelopment processes. We expect this will lead to us re-focusing and re-positioning our Homelessness Support Services and upgrade WestCare’s facilities for the next 50-100 years of service to the SA community.
I encourage you to pray faithfully with us and seek to serve others respectfully in whatever way you can. Could you join the growing community of contributors that share our desire to make a positive and enduring difference?
May God bless you as you consider and respond to these challenges and opportunities.
