Micah Hub: a Voice for the Marginalised

Author: Elora Guirguis

There's a crisis in Australia, and it’s only getting worse. The latest census shows that over 166 000 people have no place to call home. Crushing mortgage payments, mental illnesses, and addiction are pushing people to the brink of homelessness.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see a homeless person on the street, hopeless, desperate, in the darkness of night? Do you look away with apathy, thinking they should be ashamed of who they are? When they’re perched, alone, shivering, exposed to the open rain, wind and storm. Do you pass them blindly, drooling about tomorrow’s gifts, meals and endless delights?

Admit it or not, most of us do the former. We’re taught to blame the homeless for their plight. Quickly dismissed, they are considered society’s stain. Yet, homelessness is a frightening possibility for us all.

The health and economic crises following the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted just how important having a home is to our health and wellbeing. This is why we must stop shaming and start helping the homeless. Why we must close this growing division between us.

Why help the homeless in the first place?

Well, they’re human beings, just like us. They have feelings just as we do. Additionally, we must break stigma surrounding the disadvantaged - homelessness does not necessarily result from unruly decisions and is often uncontrolled.

Most of us are in the position to help, and it’s our chance to make a difference, so why not give them hope, and feel good doing it?

Luckily, there are various organisations set in place to help those struggling with homelessness; one of these being Micah Hub in Wagga Wagga NSW run by St Vincent de Paul. This organisation has many members who aim to combat injustice and disadvantages.

I have recently talked to Peter Burgess, the Vinnies Wagga Wagga Central Council President, who has given me his take on homelessness in Wagga Wagga. A point he has stressed is that homelessness takes many forms; it’s first thought of as sleeping rough, or under a bridge, but many more couch surf, sleep in cars, or even in friend’s sheds or garages.

Peter Burgess strongly believes caring for the homeless is important in society today. They’re often invisible and an easily ignored group in our society. He stated that “St Vincent de Paul teaches us to see the ‘face of Christ in the poor' - this is the commitment of the Society.”

Christ said "Whatever you do to the least of these people you do unto me"'. We must be committed to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Burgess has informed that Micah Hub supports those who are homeless by providing material support through food, clothing, accommodation and as much travel support as possible - without giving them cash. They can visit the Micah Hub building itself or have people from the society visit them. Micah Hub aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor, qualities needed for them to feel accepted in society. They respect their dignity and encourag

e them to take control of their own destiny; a fundamental right.

Micah Hub’s pastoral care, or “Emergency support” also aids those who come to Micah Hub for support. It may be food on the table if a person or family is short of money towards the end of a pay period, a cab fare to visit a doctor, or to pay for a medication prescription. They even support the impoverished socially by having the time to stop and chat, as they’re normally lonely.

Looking at homelessness through this new lens, it’s easy to see just how Micah Hub is a voice for the marginalised in today's society.

Written by: Elora Guirguis