Episode Two – The Conscientious Objector

Unhoused - voices from the threshold

Unhoused - Voices from the Threshold listens to the voices of those living in unstable housing, those who have lost homes, and those finding it difficult to create or afford a stable home in the Bega Valley NSW.

In episode 2 we meet Jude, a conscientious objector to the commodification of housing. A life time renter, and a single mother who raised her sons working part-time and renting full-time, something she says would not be possible for her in these times.

Jude does have a home, she says, but it’s a home on wheels. She gives us some insight into this life, her reasons for choosing it, the resources available to people like her, and the reactions of other people to her choice. And we could ask ourselves: how have housing choices come to this?

Stats mentioned were taken from various sources including:
https://nomadsaroundaustralia.com/van-and-bus-life-survey-results/

This podcast has been produced by the Bega Valley Shire Library Service in collaboration with Sapphire Stories, a local story-telling platform. It has been made possible with funds achieved through the NSW Premier’s Department’s Social Cohesion Grant for Local Government, as obtained by the Bega Valley Shire Council.

If you need help or know someone who does, here are some local support organisations and links:

SEWACS (South East Women & Children Services): https://sewacs.org.au/about/

MISSION AUSTRALIA: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/servicedirectory/211-homelessness/homelessness-housing-support-bega-valley

LINK2HOME: Link2home is a 24/7 statewide telephone service in New South Wales (NSW) that provides information, assessment, and referrals for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service is available on 1800 152 152 and is free to call.

SAPPHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES: Non-housing support for children & young people under 18 years. Parents & families. https://sapphireneighbourhoodservices.org.au/

BRIGHTER FUTURES: Brighter Futures is a support program for families with young children who are encountering challenges that can impact on the care of the children. Make contact through BVSC 6499 2222

HEADSPACE: headspace Bega is a free, youth-friendly and confidential service for young people aged 12 – 25 years
Phone: [phone]

WELLWAYS: Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) 1300 111 400

The Unhoused theme music was created by Candy McVeity on a marimba that was hand-made using housing materials for the Bega Public School.

Our main Sandcastle Image is by Cobargo artist Ronnie Ayliffe from her ‘Ash Alchemy’ series.