Songs from the streets help launch homelessness campaign
Songs from the streets help launch homelessness campaign
21 July 2016
After living on the streets of Sydney as a teenager, Dwaine found hope at the Oasis Youth Support Network in Surry Hills. Photo: Lena Pobjie.
Young adults Owen and Dwaine shared their stories of living on the streets of Sydney during today’s launch of The Salvation Army’s homelessness awareness campaign, Streets to Stage, at Territorial Headquarters in Redfern.
Tragedy struck both Owen and Dwaine in different ways but saw them take the same path towards homelessness when they were young teenagers. After the unexpected death of some family members, grief consumed Dwaine’s life and saw him drop out of school. “You don’t really know you’re headed to homelessness until it’s too late,” Dwaine shared.
Owen explained how he was too embarrassed to ask for help and began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. “Don’t let that barrier [of shame] hold you back,” he said. “The quicker you reach out, the quicker you can turn your life around.”
Through an interview with Jason Poutawa, the Territorial Youth Foundation Coordinator, and musical performances, Owen and Dwaine shared their stories of being homeless, how they were helped by the Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network and, finally, their journey of finding healing through songwriting.
Owen (left) and Dwaine shared their stories of being homeless at the Streets to Stage launch at Territorial Headquarters in Redfern.
From 25 July to 5 August, Owen and Dwaine will visit 12 high schools throughout Sydney and the NSW Central Coast to educate students about the dangers of homelessness. Throughout the tour, Owen and Dwaine will also create awareness about The Couch Project. Young people are invited to host their own Couch Project sleepovers at their local school or church on 16 September to help raise $120,000 for the Army’s youth services.
For further information about The Couch Project, to host your own fundraiser or to donate to the campaign, go to thecouchproject.com.au
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