Not many people know that the op in Op Shop means opportunity, and that Mackay has a population of over 3,500 people suffering from homelessness. Many of them without opportunity, without shelter, often living within a cycle of drug abuse, or a cycle of poverty.
It is a hidden world of confrontation, and it seems that chances are hard to come by in it.
One organisation providing for Mackay’s growing population of those experiencing degrees of homelessness is Australian Street Aid Project LTD. (ASAP).
They performed a recent striking interview in a sit down with Karren in Mackay at their Chances Café in Shakespeare Street. Karren has been experiencing homelessness for six months.
“I’ve lived in abandoned houses and in the streets,” Karren said in the interview.
“I feel like I’m useless, like I’ve lost my soul, and that sometimes I don’t want to be alive. I just want to have a home and somewhere to live and be happy again. This is not happiness.
“I just hope that a lot of things change in Mackay and that the homeless situation gets help[ed] for everyone.”
Its ‘Pay Forward’ board in the Shakespeare Street cafe is a way for people to purchase a meal for those in need.
“Our Pay It Forward meal system feeds up to 60 people per week who are experiencing homelessness,” a cafe spokesperson said.
“From mothers and children to people with disabilities or those who are just down and out - homelessness does not discriminate.”
ASAP have been providing ‘op’ since their humble beginnings in 2018, and have now expanded to not only provide the tools that people need to break their cycle through employing those experiencing homelessness, but now with a new coffee shop within the Chances Op Shop in Victoria Street.
“Our cafe on Shakespeare Street is still open as per usual, but we now also have a coffee shop within our Chances Op Shop at 7 Victoria Street.
“You can grab a quick bite to eat or drink whilst checking out all the bargains, knowing that your money goes right back into the Mackay Community.”
They’re one of the many organisations championing the cause of helping those experiencing homelessness in Mackay. As a non-for-profit they are always seeking donations or volunteers on their website.
In December, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper spoke with Paul Winter, a local man on a crusade to build a homeless shelter as part of his non-for-profit 360five, another individual doing what he saw as his part. After a long bout of drug addiction himself, Paul saw the issues in the regions firsthand.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
