Of the LIFEWISE Big Sleepout

On July 7th 2011 I participated in the LIFEWISE Big Sleepout. This was a fund-raising event to support the work that LIFEWISE does with the Homeless of Auckland. It is also an awareness-raising event. This is an important distinction as the Homeless are a highly vulnerable and overlooked group in our society. The ultimate aim is to end Homelessness - for good. You can find out more about the issue here.Why did I get involved?Looking back it was a series of coincidences. Well, the cynic in me would call the coincidences, but perhaps they were more than that.When I was in Australia in September last year I met up with someone who gave coins to every homeless person we passed. Up until that point I hadn’t really seen these people. She had an amazing heart and in a way started to open mine up.Then another friend participated in the inaugural LIFEWISE Big Sleepout in October last year. Reinforcing what had already begun in me. She was profoundly impacted by her experience and shared it with me.Earlier this year, several of us on Twitter had a conversation about this years event. I committed to it then. And was very impressed when LIFEWISE followed up with me to make sure I got officially involved.I’ve been through a necessary time of self-focus. A rebuilding of sorts over the last couple of years. And it is now time for me to consider others again, which really is my nature.For two months I promoted and raised funds. My target was $1000.00 - and at the time of writing this I achieved $1969.00. Collectively we raised over $100,000.00 for LIFEWISE. I am overwhelmed by the number of people that supported me. I am overwhelmed by the generosity. People gave what they could. And still can for a limited time. Go on. Click here!On to the night itself.We arrived to the AUT venue - an open air quad with overhangs around the edge - and were issued with a personalised piece of cardboard on which to sleep. We then vied for a favourable location.Once settled we were welcomed, fed, and briefed on the work that LIFEWISE does.We were then separated into four groups so we could be spoken to by LIFEWISE staff, Social Workers, Police/Legal people and former Homeless themselves.I do have a thing for hearing a persons’ story. To understand their history and find out their dreams. This night was different. Eye-opening. And it impacted me.I heard of people that were academically successful and educated having to resort to Homelessness due to issues with Anger, or Drug/Alcohol addictions, Gambling addictions, undiagnosed Mental Health issues. I heard of people who were kicked out of home at a young age - no longer wanted by their family - and left to fend for themselves.There are over 100 Aucklanders who live rough every night. And many of these blend in around us. Homelessness is not a choice - it’s often the only option left when all other choices are unavailable. Homelessness is not defined by gender or age. Men, Women and Children are Homeless in Auckland.LIFEWISE provides services designed to grow independence in the Homeless they work with. They help where needed: gaining literacy and education, things such as obtaining a drivers licence, helping obtain a benefit - getting back on the grid so to speak. They help with finding accommodation and teaching the life-skills we take for granted.  They help with mental health services, drug and alcohol services, reconnecting with family.I heard tales of success. Of rehabilitation. I heard of hope instilled.Sleep was fitful that night. Yes we had our cardboard. But most also had bedrolls, high-quality sleeping bags and layers of clothing. I know I was toasty warm despite a cold wind blowing rain-spray on to my face. I knew that there were people trying to sleep out in the night. Under bridges, overpasses. In doorways. Without what I had.There is a surprising amount of noise in the CBD at night. Construction. Trucks. Beeping. Traffic. At 2am we were all woken by ‘drunken revelers’ - a nice touch to emulate the lack of deep sleep available to most Homeless.Breakfast at 6am where we gathered together to talk about the experience.Then we were on our way. Back to our homes. Our beds. Our jobs.Processing all of this has taken a while. I am considering what I have learned.One thing that has stuck with me is the understanding that most Homeless are Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. They have fallen through the cracks of our Social Welfare system. They are also people. They are members of our community and do need be treated with the decency and respect we all expect.What should my response be?What is it I need to do now?Challenging...- Simon