Tom

Okay, I am enjoying this.  My brain is enjoying the time to reflect this way!

I would like to follow on from the first blog, and talk about the role and pressure of the normal social worker and the preconceived ideas we might have about them.  A great example is our hard working "Tom".

Tom works at a homeless shelter in Brisbane ensuring that the men that he works with get secure housing after they enter exit the service.  He is the head of the "Outreach Program" which is what they usually call his position across Australia.  Tom is paid for 4 days work, but works 7.  He uses his personal mobile to keep connected to his clients, and he ensures that the men who return to the streets (sometimes with their children) are safe, and I personally believe he simply can't rest - feeling connected, as you would knowing the men personally.

Note:  The biggest rise in homelessness this year is children between he ages of 0-4.  The worst and most depressing fact of 2011.  Tom is also the head of a homeless father's outreach service, that I bet he started himself due to the high number of homeless fathers with children he cares for.

So, who is there to support Tom to do his job? Well, his existing established (large) service is now receiving less funding and also less cash donations.  They are stuck between strict organisational and religious rules and strict government funding regulations AND find it impossible to source sponsorship due to social attitudes that his service can provide EVERYTHING to every client. There are more people than ever requiring his service due to economic times and there are more clients with very difficult mental and health issues that are being neglected from other burdened services. 

Sooo, we think of the government for support.. well they told me frankly (when I went for funding earlier this year) that they are.. in their words.. "..broke! And we can't afford to pay the bills we said we would.  If GIVIT was to have funds it would go from essential services."

Black and White:  Existing services are going to find it harder, quickly. New programs (that stop the boat from leaking) will not happen.

So, you might meet Tom.  And you might find him tired and sad.  Worse still! He might not take your donation because it might not be suitable (for a client is a tiny flat) and he might come across as rude.  But be compassionate because he is on the front line and he is working for free!