It has been a while since I’ve woken to the sound of a baby crying. As I heard baby Olive crying in the early hours of this morning, I was reminded of a huge challenge that I have never experienced, living without a roof over my head. And I was thankful for the practical difference our family could make in the lives a young mum and her beautiful baby girl. 

Olive was born six weeks ago, and she and her mum have been living with our family for the past month. Before giving birth, Olive’s mum was one of more than 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness. Her story is marked by many of the complex issues and needs many people experiencing homelessness live with. 

Olive’s mum may not fully appreciate it yet, but she is very fortunate to have my wife strongly in her corner, supporting her and advocating for her and Olive’s needs. I’m inspired by Megan’s commitment to living out of her faith hands-on, alongside others, in the messiness of life. 

As a family, we’ve made the decision to regularly have others living under our roof and we’re always better for these experiences. It means we need to make some sacrifices and yet we learn so much. It moves our family out of our comfort zones and yet I am the first to admit, sometimes I can focus on the inconveniences. In these times I regularly sense a reframing nudge from the Spirit. Suddenly I’m reminded that I have never lived without safe and stable housing. I’ve never wondered where I might lay my head, and yet here is a life experience known to Jesus. As I ponder this reality, I’m reminded of all I have, the small price I am paying, and the genuine joy of extending kindness and hospitality.

On any given night in 2023, more than 122,000 people in Australia will experience homelessness. 

One in seven of these people will be under 12, with 23% being between 12 and 24. Homelessness is not “rooflessness”. Only 6.2 per cent of people without a home are sleeping rough. Most homelessness in our country is hidden – as people seek to make do in crisis accommodation, rooming houses, insecure housing, overcrowded dwellings, or couch surfing. This hiddenness keeps this issue off the front pages and yet it remains one of our nation’s biggest social and justice challenges. 

Research continues to confirm the importance of secure and stable housing. With this in place, people are in a much better position to address other complex issues and needs. Without it, the capacity to face health challenges, relationship issues, unemployment, addictions, food insecurity and other complex matters is greatly diminished. 

Olive and her mum have been given the green light for priority housing and yet there are still bureaucratic hurdles to be overcome, let alone the challenges of parenting your first child solo. For now, getting through each day is a big win! 

The human services and housing system is stretched across the country and without Megan in her corner, Olive’s mum would not be getting the attention she needs. I admire those committed to working in this difficult space. We need to champion their work for others, with all the setbacks they face. And yet those experiencing homelessness need advocates.  

When I hold baby Olive, I suddenly feel back in the newborn parent zone. Yes, I’ve got some experience given the size of my tribe! Suddenly I’ve got my baby swing happening as I walk around the house settling this beautiful gift in my arms. As I’ve been walking, I’ve been praying for Olive and her future. 

She and her mum won’t have it easy. They face some big issues, that aren’t appropriate for me to write about here. Olive won’t have what my kids take for granted. She won’t have a functional family system around her, but hopefully with good support networks and a place to call home, she and her mum will find their way. 

Across Australia today about 175,000 households are on state and territory social housing waiting lists. It’s easy to play politics on an issue like this, but any advancement in the number of social housing stock is a good step forward. Social housing is an important justice issue more of us need to be heard speaking about. 

Today, I’m glad to have one of these families under our roof, while they await a safe place to call home. I’m glad they don’t need to be in a boarding house, their car, or worse places. 

I look into the eyes of a beautiful baby girl, and I am reminded of the gift of life and the love that God has for this small child. I see my kids doing life around her and I pray they will have their eyes and ears open and be reminded of how fortunate they are and the need to champion the needs of the least. And I look at my wife, doing her authentic caring thing, and I am thankful for the way she challenges me to “walk the talk” when it comes to following Jesus. 

All around you and I are people experiencing homelessness in its many forms. Small acts of care, kindness, respect, hospitality and love make a real difference! May we have our eyes and hearts open.

*I have changed the baby’s name to “Olive” for this post.