Episode Transcript
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Hi, my name is Chris Hardy,
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I’m the Regional Operations Manager
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for the Centacare Housing and Aged Care here at Centacare.
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Homelessness Prevention Week,
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which runs from the 4th to the 10th August,
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is an annual campaign
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that’s coordinated by Homelessness Australia
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and it really aims to drive that
awareness around homelessness,
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who it affects
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and what solutions are needed
to end homelessness for Australia.
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Grounded in our commitment to social justice,
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our teams at Centacare do God’s work every day.
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Our specialist teams across the Fraser Coast
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and all the way to Beaudesert
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walk alongside people who
are experiencing homelessness
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or who are at risk of homelessness
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to move them to safety
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and rebuild their lives.
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At Centacare, our commitment goes far beyond words.
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Through tailored programs like
our Emergency Housing service,
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we provide immediate shelter
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and safety to those that are in crisis,
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we do this by delivering compassionate,
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person-centred support
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that acknowledges the unique challenges
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each individual faces.
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In communities such as the Fraser Coast and Beaudesert,
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our dedicated teams work hand-in-hand with individuals
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and families
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not only securing that safe housing
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but also connecting them to essential health,
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safety, and employment services.
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This holistic approach empowers people
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to rebuild their lives with dignity,
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hope and renewed opportunity.
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Rooted deeply in our belief is that
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everybody deserves a place to call home
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and the chance to thrive,
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it’s a privilege to walk alongside people on their journey
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from vulnerability to stability,
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embodying our Catholic values of compassion
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and social justice.
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I now invite you to pray with us today.
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Loving and compassionate God.
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We come before You with open hearts and minds
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at the conclusion of Homelessness Awareness Week.
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You see each soul, each story, each struggle.
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Remind us that behind every statistic is a person.
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A person made in Your image,
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deserving of dignity, hope, and care.
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Forgive us when we look away or grow numb
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to the suffering around us.
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Stir within us a deep compassion
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that leads to action.
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Open our eyes to injustice,
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open our hands to service,
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and our voices to advocacy.
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Bless the staff at Centacare and in other
organisations around the country
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who are working tirelessly
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to support shelter, meals, and support.
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Strengthen their resolves
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and multiply their efforts.
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We pray for healing where there is brokenness,
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and community where there is isolation.
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Guide our leaders with wisdom and courage
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to create systems that uplift, not discard.
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To make space where all are welcome
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and nobody is forgotten.
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May this week not only raise awareness
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but inspire commitment
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to build a world where every person
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has a place to belong
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and the resources to thrive.
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Amen.
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Thank you for praying with us today,
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and we hope to see you soon.
