Homelessness Week 2021

August 1-7 is Homelessness Week and on any given night, 116,000 Aussies are experiencing homelessness. At Short Back & Sidewalks, many of the people we give free haircuts to are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless.

Through the act of giving haircuts free of charge and free of judgement, Short Back & Sidewalks is creating positive connections and empowering people in need. We believe that everyone deserves the right to a good haircut and a friendly conversation.

Pretty early on we realised that it benefited everyone if we delivered our free haircuts alongside service providers such as Ruah in Perth and Rough Edges in Sydney. By working with service providers, we work in safe and familiar spaces, while giving people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage an opportunity to connect with services to create positive changes in their lives. For some, that may be finding a home.

The theme this year is #EverybodyNeedsAHome and we couldn't agree more. Especially in these cold winter months, having shelter and a safe place to call home is something that we all deserve. That is why this year, Homelessness Week aims to shed light on the urgent need for social and affordable housing in Australia so that we can end homelessness in Australia. 

So what can you do to get involved? Join the conversation and learn more about homelessness in Australia. Reach out to your local MP and speak to them about the housing crisis in Australia. Get involved with events or organisations helping to bring awareness to homelessness or assist people experiencing homelessness.

For more information, head to the Homelessness Australia website.