Western Sydney residents shower kindness on homeless duo
HOMELESS father and son, Glenn and Josh, were all out of luck until they parked their car and temporary home in generous community of Ropes Crossing.
The Standard
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WHEN Glenn, 55, and Josh Disbray, 23, parked their car in an abandoned lot in Ropes Crossing, the homeless pair did not expect the tsunami of kindness they would receive over the next week.
Glenn’s cancerous bladder had just been removed, when their housing arrangement fell through a few months ago.
News of the Disbrays’ situation spread like wildfire on Ropes Crossing NSW 2760 Residents Facebook group and within hours the whole community had committed to donating hot meals, dog food, a car battery, cold water, blankets, clothes and even job offers.
One night, the pair had three hot dinners delivered.
When Laing + Simmons Ropes Crossing/St Marys sales assistant Amber Sneesby saw the post she spoke to her manager Paul Abassi.
Mr Abassi immediately set up a gofundme page — Help Josh and Glen Make a New Start — to raise money for the Disbrays’ living costs once they secure assisted housing.
The goal was $1000 and in just six days the community has already raised $1050.
“It just takes people like myself and the community to pitch in ... the community understands we are here together,” Mr Abassi said.
“There’s nothing worse than when you’re down and no one is around.”
Mr Disbray said he was shocked by the offers of help he has received.
“We arrived on Saturday afternoon and by Sunday we’d had so many inquiries of help, to make sure we were not in need for anything,” he said.
“I’ve been absolutely flabbergasted from this community’s showing of kindness.
“This entire community of Ropes Crossing they’ve basically told us we have to stay here so they can help us.
“One gentleman purchased a battery for our car.”
Anna Ashenden, of Western Sydney Homeless Connect, said homeless numbers in the region were difficult to pin down.
“Disadvantage in western Sydney is significantly increasing,” Ms Ashenden said. “There is also a significant increase in people experiencing rental and mortgage stress.”
According to WSHC, the most common cause of homelessness in the Sydney region was financial stress, followed by domestic violence.
“In western Sydney, domestic violence is quite significant,” she said.
She said most homeless people are living in improvised dwellings or tents.
Wentworth Community Housing’s community service divisional manager, Jenny Ranft said the number of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is rising each year.
“Over 1000 people sought support from our service in 2016/17 and we are just one of the specialist homelessness services in the Nepean Blue Mountains district,” she said.
Also, Ms Ranft highlighted that the most common causes of homelessness are due to housing crisis, domestic violence and mental health issues.
Mr Abassi said he should have an update on the family’s assisted housing application this week.
To donate to the Gofundme page go to: https://www.gofundme.com/help-josh-and-glen-make-a-new-start