You did it! The sprinklers are gone & a new conversation with a humane response to the homeless has begun.
Share this post?
9 News reported last week that: "People power has forced the removal of a controversial sprinkler system that was being used to deter homeless people from sleeping in the city." The decision to remove the sprinklers is a sign that a new conversation with a humane response to the homeless has begun.
In addition to the sprinklers being removed, the campaign caused the WA Government to announce further 10k houses for the homeless between now and 2020. Whilst we are aware that this project was already in progress, and that it falls well short of the number of homes needed to truly address the problem, we are encouraged to see how by working together, we were able make homes for the homeless a priority that our state Government felt it had to address. This is the power of us working together to make our voice for justice heard!
Speaking to 9News, Salvos Lieutenant Kris Halliday said, "Instead of moving the homeless on, we need to be moving them in, TO HOMES." So we are taking the momentum you have created and throwing it behind the local heroes from RUAH, The Salvos, Red Cross, St. Barts, Manna Industries, St. Vincent de Paul and the countless others organisations who are committed to finding compassionate solutions for those who are doing it tough. They are the real heroes working with courageous people doing it rough on our streets, and calling on the Government to invest in the long-term solution to homelessness… HOMES.
You might want to get involved in Homelessness Prevention Week 2015, (August 3rd - 9th) and please pray that God uses the week to build momentum that leads to real change for a more generous and compassionate Australia.