Who really cares about you when you become homeless?
At a time when the housing crisis and the increasing cost of living contributes to more people becoming homeless, people like Irene Schynol shine as beacons of hope.
A Beacon of Hope: Irene Schynol and Street Up
Irene is the Lived Experience Leader for Moreton Bay area with Street Up, an organisation that brings together lived experience leaders with councils, businesses and service providers to drive meaningful change regarding homelessness.
And they aren’t kidding when they say ‘lived experience’ – Irene said she had been homeless for four years.
“As terrible as it sounds, my four years of homelessness is the greatest experience of my life,” Irene said.
“I’ve connected with so many people. I’ve given them food and love and hope. Everywhere I go, I get so much love from people. And all I’ve done is show people that I care.
“My eyes have been opened and my heart has been opened.”
Irene added that lots of mental health issues arise from living rough and feeling unwanted.
“Depression is rife,” she said. “It feels like the homeless are being hunted out – nobody wants us. We move from place to place as we can’t camp anywhere for long.
“There are no vacancies anywhere. The best most places can do is offer four days in a motel.
“So, many people have mental health issues, yet when they see me, they put those issues aside. Even if they have been drinking or taking drugs, they sober up and recognise I care about them. I give them hope.”
When asked what people could do to help, Irene said that apart from donating items and food, a big thing was to “have a chat, just like with anyone else you meet”.
“Don’t judge, don’t listen to the media beat-up,” she said. “See the person for who they are. They are a human being just as deserving of love and compassion as anyone.”
To help those experiencing homelessness or to seek help for homelessness, see your local Neighbourhood Centre for a list of organisations.
To have Irene speak at your school, workplace or organisation, contact her via info@streetup.com.au
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