It was his church newsletter that first brought Joseph to Rosies. The long-term Logan resident wanted to support his fellow parish member, Margaret Harvey, who at the time was the Branch Coordinator.

“I read about Rosies outreach services in the church newsletter at St Pauls and decided to see what it was all about. My friend Margaret was in charge and I wanted to support her.”

Joseph continued, “Now I can’t stay away. I come every week because I have a lot of friends here.”

“Sometimes I can’t come because of some of the other work. I look after some elderly people and sick people. Sometimes they need me, and I can’t come but if they are okay, then I come and spend time with my friends.”

Joseph, a retired accountant and local Tai Chi teacher, found the atmosphere at outreach to be warm and welcoming. “It’s good company and the volunteers who are looking after the food section are welcoming to the people going up there to pick up some food and some drink. They’re very attentive and like family. I can’t help, you know, I keep coming back. They’re lovely people and I like to spend time with them.”

Joseph is just one of many people who access the services that Rosies provides but is not experiencing homelessness. He just “likes the community and being with everyone” and often gets upset when people make disparaging remarks or say unkind things about individuals experiencing homelessness, hardship and disadvantage.

“I don’t call them homeless people or street people, I call them my friend, my brother and my sister. I don’t like it when other people call them homeless people or street people, they are just like everyone else. They are good people, and it could happen to anyone. Me, you, anyone. They are nice people.”

Joseph spends most of the outreach sitting quietly chatting with patrons and volunteers, soaking up the atmosphere or smiling softly as the children run around him.

If you would like to support people like Joseph who have found connection, family and friendship on outreach please considering donating to Rosies now. Your financial support can and will make a difference.