Home Sweet Home

For Homelessness Week (2 – 8 August), Lou's Place worked with the theme 'Home Sweet Home,' calling for a home for every homeless woman in our community. With the assistance of Sophie Cox, an embroidery artist, and a team of volunteers, 25 artworks were embroidered and sent to State Parliamentarians, the Governor of NSW and the Sydney Lord Mayor. 

We were thrilled that the Premier, the Lord Mayor and the Governor of NSW supported our work and posted pictures of themselves with their embroidered piece.  Other state parliamentarians also got involved, including our local MP Alex Greenwich, and Bronnie Taylor, the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women. This work has significantly raised the profile of Lou's Place on social media. More importantly, it has helped us keep women's homelessness front and centre in the minds of our decision makers.

We used embroidered pieces as we believe that the time, and love that goes into each piece makes homelessness harder to ignore. It’s also a good fit for Lou's Place given the many art and craft activities we run. 'Craftivism' or 'slow protest' is becoming more popular worldwide While it’s certainly easier to sign a petition online, some say it’s easier to ignore. With each piece of craft taking at least 3 hours to sew and assemble, the dedication and hard work of our community is indeed difficult to ignore!

Shortly after Homelessness Week, our General Manager, Nicole Yade, was called to State Parliament as an expert witness in the inquiry into the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places. Nicole discussed homelessness as a gendered issue and called for more social housing and services to support women who have experienced complex trauma, including improved supports for women with mental illness and addiction. ‘Home Sweet Home’ is something that everyone in our community deserves.

L - R: Lord Mayor Clover Moore, ‘Home Sweet Home’ embroidered artwork by Sophie Cox, New South Wales Governor Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley.