By Angie Winter
Eurobodalla Homelessness Support Service.
“Ooh I do like that dress,” was the first thing I said when Sue, a long-term client came into the office with some housing paperwork. Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s immediately came to mind. Sue wearing a little black dress, wide brimmed hat and kitten heeled shoes – very stylish! Sue spun round to show off the perfectly fitted A-line dress and crossed her fingers.
“Putting in an application for a one bedroomed place in Moruya,” she said. “The ladies round the corner picked out the dress for me. I call it my ‘special occasion’ dress.”
‘Round the corner’ meaning the Vulcan Street Community Hub and where Anglicare’s partnership with Thread Together offer new clothing at no cost to those most in need.
Sue pointed down at her feet. “Shoes as well.”
“They actually asked me what I liked,” continued Sue, “not just assuming that because I’m homeless, I have no personal taste. It was like having my own stylist! I felt like a valuable human being.”
Sue has been homeless for a considerable length of time, couch surfing and on occasion sleeping in a tent. Her health has been compromised due to the lack of stable housing.
“Might get a look in with the real estate agent, feeling pretty confident in this outfit,” she added.
Sue has frequently faced discrimination and exclusion because of her housing status. The sad truth is that appearance can also influence outcomes. Looking beneath the surface of homelessness is often neglected. The simple act of acknowledging a person for their individuality should not be underestimated.
As opposed to being on the receiving end of sympathy, discrimination and often disdain attached to being homeless, Sue was simply asked what type of fashion she liked.
It was the kind of human interaction that offered Sue choice, something that had often been taken away from her. Not only did it raise her confidence but also her spirit, providing Sue with an opportunity to focus on herself rather than her circumstance even if only for a short time.
Sue gave another twirl before leaving the office. “Wish me luck.”
Seeing only what is presented on the surface can lead to lost opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. And while a new dress will not solve the complex issue of homelessness it can visibly, as in Sue’s case, inspire confidence and well-being.
