We acknowledge Homelessness Awareness Week and hold in prayer all those experiencing homelessness. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of dignity, a place to call home, and the chance to flourish. Many dedicated organisations are doing God’s work, reaching out to those who suffer without shelter. Let us unite in prayer with Chris from Centacare, asking for God’s love and mercy to bring an end to homelessness for all. Let us pray together.
Transcript
Hi, my name is Chris Hardy, I’m the Regional Operations Manager for the Centacare Housing and Aged Care here at Centacare. Homelessness Prevention Week, which runs from the 4th to the 10th August, is an annual campaign that’s coordinated by Homelessness Australia and it really aims to drive that awareness around homelessness, who it affects and what solutions are needed to end homelessness for Australia. Grounded in our commitment to social justice, our teams at Centacare do God’s work every day. Our specialist teams across the Fraser Coast and all the way to Beaudesert walk alongside people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness to move them to safety and rebuild their lives. At Centacare, our commitment goes far beyond words. Through tailored programs like our Emergency Housing service, we provide immediate shelter and safety to those that are in crisis, we do this by delivering compassionate, person-centred support that acknowledges the unique challenges each individual faces. In communities such as the Fraser Coast and Beaudesert, our dedicated teams work hand-in-hand with individuals and families not only securing that safe housing but also connecting them to essential health, safety, and employment services. This holistic approach empowers people to rebuild their lives with dignity, hope and renewed opportunity. Rooted deeply in our belief is that everybody deserves a place to call home and the chance to thrive, it’s a privilege to walk alongside people on their journey from vulnerability to stability, embodying our Catholic values of compassion and social justice. I now invite you to pray with us today.
Loving and compassionate God. We come before You with open hearts and minds at the conclusion of Homelessness Awareness Week. You see each soul, each story, each struggle. Remind us that behind every statistic is a person. A person made in Your image, deserving of dignity, hope, and care. Forgive us when we look away or grow numb to the suffering around us. Stir within us a deep compassion that leads to action. Open our eyes to injustice, open our hands to service, and our voices to advocacy. Bless the staff at Centacare and in other organisations around the country who are working tirelessly to support shelter, meals, and support. Strengthen their resolves and multiply their efforts. We pray for healing where there is brokenness, and community where there is isolation. Guide our leaders with wisdom and courage to create systems that uplift, not discard. To make space where all are welcome and nobody is forgotten. May this week not only raise awareness but inspire commitment to build a world where every person has a place to belong and the resources to thrive. Amen.
Thank you for praying with us today, and we hope to see you soon.