Why I was wrong about the homeless

I have recently taken the time to reflect on our first year of Pass it on Clothing & Co and the broader issue of homelessness. 

Like almost everyone who has never experienced not having a permanent home, or instability when it comes to their living situation, I was guilty of naively believing many of the typical stereotypes and generalisations surrounding those who are living it rough.

I’ve always lived a privileged and comfortable life, and sadly, this had eroded much of the compassion within me for those less fortunate.

“They must be drug addicts.” 

“They must have gambling addictions.” 

“They are alcoholics.” 

“They brought this upon themselves.”

By labeling the homeless like this, it easily allowed me to dismiss them as they begged on the street or randomly asked me for change.

How wrong I was, and how disappointed I am now with my attitudes and beliefs that have only just changed in the past 12 months.

Everyone has a story, and those stories need to be heard to understand those who find themselves homeless are not at all different from you and me.

We all have pride. 

We all seek connection. 

We all wish to be valued.

This past year has taught me a big lesson and has changed my beliefs. I believe each one of us is doing the best we can in the circumstances we are in. 

However ‘doing the best we can’ may differ vastly; from negotiating funding for a business project, buying your first home or securing a promotion at work, to finding a dry and warm place to sleep at night, getting a feed or simply finding somebody to acknowledge you and speak with you.

These are all success stories to each individual and should be recognised equally.

Our project and the past year of Pass it On Clothing & Co has allowed us the fortunate and rare opportunity to build relationships with people completely out of our circle. 

These relationships are ones we greatly cherish and continue to foster.

While we receive thanks and gratitude each week from those we help, I’ve come to believe that I receive far more from those I’ve created connections with. 

Over the last 12 months we helped 2713 people with clothing and engaged in 76 hours of conversation, and while that was significant, it pales in comparison to how it's helped change my view of humanity. 

The biggest lessons I’ve learnt this year is in empathy and compassion; most often, the people we are connecting with don’t just want a fresh set of clothes – that’s a nice bonus. They are seeking friendship, somebody to listen to them and somebody to converse with. 

Like any human being, our homeless friends need genuine conversation and compassion.

 Treating people with dignity before judging is at the heart of what we do at Pass it On Clothing & Co, and it’s something that acts as a great filter for any situation in life, no matter who you are or where you come from.

 As a society, and as part of humanity, we shouldn’t need a reason or a motivation to give back to others, it should just be a given and something that we happily do. 

As I’ve discovered though, there’s a reward at the end. I can personally say that by wholeheartedly giving back, you gain more than you could possibly imagine.