Catholic Social Services WA have last month hosted a workshop for Catholic community service providers working in the housing and homelessness area.
Head of Mission Enhancement and Outreach, Archdiocesan Agencies and Chair, Catholic Social Services WA, Dr Debra Sayce, explained that the intention of the workshop was to foster understanding of the work of these peak bodies and explore potential in fostering collaboration between agencies.
Facilitated by Joel Levin from Aha! Consulting, agencies and organisations involved in the workshop included the Archdiocese of Perth Administration, Catholic Homes, Centrecare Inc., Identitywa, Mercycare, Sisters of St John of God Ministry Initiatives Inc., St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society WA, Stellar Living and the University of Notre Dame Australia.
“A rich discussion ensued that highlighted the current environment about housing and the real impact of the increasing cost of living pressures on individuals and families,” Dr Sayce explained.
“A key underlying issue that motivated the discussion is balancing short-term need with long term societal changes.
“This issue involves addressing immediate housing needs while also working towards systemic changes that promote long-term dignity and equity,” she said.
Dr Sayce continued to explain that while dignified living can be defined in a variety of ways, Catholic Social Teaching enunciates that human life is sacred and each person has inherent dignity.
“This foundational belief is the moral foundation of a just society,” Dr Sayce emphasised.
Discussions also included a desire to pursue engagement with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, housing advocates and those directly affected by housing issues.
Conversations with these voices, especially the marginalised and under-served enable crafting more comprehensive and equitable solutions.
“Essentially, this means ‘getting the right people in the room’,” Dr Sayce emphasised
Commentary on changing mindsets that housing is a proposition on investment to one that housing is a fundamental human need was strongly echoed by all workshop participants.
Discussion also looked at the promotion of the types of housing such as tiny homes, co-housing, intergenerational housing or supportive housing and how these can cater for different needs and preferences.
“In essence,” explained Dr Syace, “through expanding perceptions of what constitutes ‘right’ housing, and that housing is not a commodity rather it is a human right and is essential for a living a dignified life.”
The provision of strong, ethical, moral and sector leadership was another key discussion point of the workshop. It was strongly promoted that leaders should advocate for policies and practices that prioritise human dignity and fairness over profit.
“Championing reforms that ensure equitable access to housing and supporting initiative that align with Gospel imperatives and social teaching principles was also echoed,” Dr Sayce said.
“Each of these (abovementioned) areas discussed at the workshop highlighted the complexity of addressing housing issues and the importance of a multi-faceted approach that integrates short term actions with long term vision.
“A commitment by participants to engage collaboratively and communicate more readily within the Catholic social service sector and externally to broader stakeholders was agreed upon,” she said.
The workshop was sponsored by the Catholic Development Fund and hosted by Mercycare at the Sr Martin Kelly Centre.
Mrs Vicky Gonzalez Burrows, Executive Director, Mission and Ethos, in leading the Acknowledgement of Country, spoke of the significance of the Mercycare site.
It was also an opportunity for those present to hear three stories of individuals and their families who were supported by Catholic agencies during their time of hardship.
Dr Sayce concluded by saying the importance of this workshop can be captured in the statement by Pope Benedict XVI in the encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth).
“The encyclical stated, ‘the dignity of the individual and the demands of justice require, particularly today, that economic choices do not cause disparities in wealth to increase in an excessive and morally unacceptable manner’ (2009, 32),” she said.