A few weeks ago social justice advocate Pam Tierney met a family in desperate need.
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The father had lost his job and – with six children under the age of 12 – the family was struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
As a result they were forced to live in public housing in one of the worst areas in Newcastle, a place notorious for its high number of drug users.
Frightened for their safety, the family reported the nearby crime to the police but, eventually, became the targets themselves.
The family vacated their temporary home so hastily they failed to return the key. Intruders broke in, wrecked the house, leaving the family with a $7000 debt.
If greater sensitivity and consideration had been employed this story wouldn’t need to be told.
And, unfortunately, it’s not a one off.
Affordable housing and homelessness across the Hunter has come into focus as part of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Social Justice Statement. Rising energy costs and the plight of asylum seekers and refugees have also made the cut.
But while this is touted as a statewide initiative, the effects of these main issues are significantly felt here in Maitland.
Take poverty for example.
Each week the East Maitland Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society aids at least 30 people, most of whom have no food, little clothing, can’t afford medication and struggle to pay their rent.
During the past year the Maitland Newcastle Central Council has provided more than $2.5 million worth of assistance to the local community in the way of rent expenses, food vouchers, utility bill support and other expenses
But this is just a drop in ocean compared to the bigger problem plaguing our society.
Our politicians might be getting better at glimpsing the issues but are they really listening?
In the lead-up to the state election the St Vincent de Paul Society is calling for all politicians to state their intentions on social justice issues.
As Ms Tierney (diocesan social justice co-ordinator with the Maitland/Newcastle St Vincent de Paul Society) said: “We have to talk about this and we have to raise our voices because we are unable, otherwise, to influence policy and perhaps change direction.
“We have to inform the government what the issues are. Policies have to be informed policies.”
Welfare agency shines light on struggle for Maitland families | Poll