Homelessness affects all of us, and together, we can be part of the solution.

More people than ever in our community are facing tough times because of rising living costs, a lack of affordable housing, family violence, and unexpected life changes.

In places like Wodonga, homelessness is often hidden.

People might be sleeping in cars, staying in motels, or moving between friends’ couches – situations that are less visible but just as real as sleeping rough.

This National Homelessness Week, we invite everyone to imagine what it might feel like to walk in someone else’s shoes, and to remember that homelessness can affect anyone.

At Junction, we work alongside people from many backgrounds and ages as they manage unexpected challenges.

“Understanding starts with listening,” says Geoff Harsant, Junction Support Services Homelessness Team Manager.

“Everyone has the right to a safe and stable place to call home, and it’s important to dispel myths and build understanding and support within our community.”

Right now, Junction is supporting 102 individuals and families in Wodonga, with another 215 people waiting for case management support.

Across Victoria, every day, 129 people miss out on the support they need because there simply aren’t enough resources to help everyone.

Small acts of kindness help break down the stigma around homelessness and remind people they are not alone.

“Something as easy as participating in Close Collective Café’s Pay It Forward program, which helps ensure people experiencing hardship can access a meal without stigma, makes a real difference,” says Annie Shirley, Junction’s Youth and Family Homelessness General Manager.

“Junction Support Services is calling on our community to learn the facts, listen deeply and help create change – because homelessness is not someone else’s problem.

“It is a community issue, and community action is vital to addressing it.”

Homelessness Week, led by Homelessness Australia, is about raising awareness and working together to create lasting change.