A quote from a homeless man, posted on the wall at Wollongong Homeless Hub, has become manager Julie Mitchell’s motto for her clients.
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‘Don’t judge me by the chapter you walked in on’, wrote the man – one of thousands who’ve been supported by the charity since its inception three years ago.
‘’Those words really resonate with me, because it’s about understanding that people have the ability to change and make a difference in their lives,’’ Ms Mitchell said.
And it was Ms Mitchell’s efforts to help them make that change that have been recognised this week, as she was named Wollongong Electorate Woman of the Year. She said she was honoured by the award, which acknowledged her 32 years work helping the homeless.
‘’I started the homeless hub three years ago as there were too many people who could not get into specialised homeless services or housing,’’ Ms Mitchell said.
‘’These people had no human faces to listen to their stories – I decided to change that so they could feel acknowledged and get the wrap-around support they needed.’’
People like Craig Maguire, 44, who attended a morning tea in honour of Ms Mitchell’s achievement on Friday.
These people had no human faces to listen to their stories – I decided to change that.
- Julie Mitchell
Craig’s life, once plagued by alcoholism, homelessness and violence, has turned around thanks to the support he’s received from the hub.
‘’For nearly two years I didn’t have a roof over my head,’’ he said. ‘’Julie helped get me off the streets, into rehab, and now has found me my own place.’’
Ms Mitchell said while census figures reveal there’s around 1500 homeless people in Wollongong on any given night, many cases went unreported. The hub provides a link to other services, as well as practical support like food and blankets.
Ms Mitchell plans to do much more, and is working to set up a 16-bed crisis centre in the city. ‘’We want one of the rooms to be set up to assist people who are terminally ill or battling life-threatening diseases who are sleeping rough.’’
Wollongong MP Paul Scully said it was important the NSW Local Women of the Year awards recognised women who made a real difference in their communities. ‘’Julie was chosen because of the passion she has for trying to help others make a better life for themselves,’’ he said.
‘’She goes out of her way to help those who many other people sadly simply walk past.’’
