Homelessness: Breaking the cycle through floristry
Homelessness: Breaking the cycle through floristry
Homelessness is on the rise in Australia. With more than 116,000 people without a safe place to sleep on any given night in 2016 [1] and support services inundated, it’s an issue that needs to be taken seriously.
As a Sydney-based social enterprise florist, SLAK Flowers is on a mission to help break the cycle of homelessness. And so, fresh from supporting Youth Homelessness Matters Day earlier this month, we decided it was time to amp up our awareness campaign around this important matter.
Read on to find how you can help us combat the issue of homelessness through the magic and positivity of floristry.
How is homelessness defined?
For many, the word “homelessness” conjures up images of people sleeping in the street or on park benches. And while this sadly rings true for some, there’s a much bigger picture to consider. The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies it as “a lack of one or more elements that represents a home”[2].
While this may include those who are “sleeping rough” on the street or in makeshift tents, it also covers those sleeping in a car, staying temporarily with a friend, or residing in overcrowded accommodation.
It’s impossible to imagine what it would be like to live this way. And yet, thousands experience this every night. So how can we change the narrative?
Behind the numbers
Homelessness is not a choice. It can happen to anyone, at any time.
According to the ABS, around 26.5% of people seek housing assistance due to imminent eviction, while 13.7% require help due to domestic or family violence.
Financial difficulties make up approximately 12% of those experiencing homelessness while around 11% currently reside in inadequate or inappropriate dwellings.
These aren’t just statistics – every number represents a person. A life. Perhaps they are a brother, or sister. A friend or family member. They are people with hopes and dreams – just like you.
In the words of the American Entrepreneur, Jim Rohn: “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change”. At SLAK Flowers, we don’t only want to create employment possibilities for those who need it. We want t 1 o support happiness and joy, success and community.
So how do we do it?
Our mission
Without employment, a permanent address is hard to come by. Without a permanent address, employment opportunities become seriously limited. It seems like an endless cycle – but it doesn’t have to be.
SLAK Flowers works hard every day to employ women experiencing homelessness. We create a safe space for them to develop skills, and the chance to earn an income. Rebuilding confidence in the workplace takes time, but our specialised training program ensures that our staff are supported every step of the way.
There’s nothing better than looking to the future…except looking to a future filled with possibilities.
Spread loving acts of kindness with us
If you could change someone’s life simply by purchasing flowers, would you do it? Our large range of fresh and dried blooms, signature flower figurines and gourmet hampers are created with love and care.
Call us on 1300 752 535 to discuss your requirements or visit our website HERE.
Buy different and make a difference with SLAK Flowers.
REFERENCES:
[2] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/homelessness-and-homelessness-services
