Giving a home to the homeless

Kings Cross drop-in centre helps those who need it most

Kings Cross in Sydney has a hardcore reputation. While it’s been affected heavily by New South Wales’ “Lock Out” laws, The Cross remains a hot spot – for people on the fringes of society. From battling addictions to wrestling with having no job or income, people can be living life tough in Kings Cross, in the immediate shadow of one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Rough Edges is a drop-in centre in Darlinghurst, right next to Kings Cross. Backed by the nearby St John’s Anglican Church, the centre is one of the social services in an area full of everyday needs.

Meals, friendship and other forms of support are served up by Rough Edges, for people living on the streets or in a Housing Commission flat.

“We call it a lounge room for people who don’t have a lounge room,” explains Brad Lovegrove, chaplain at Rough Edges. The majority of Rough Edges’ patrons are middle-aged men, such as Allan who has become one of the volunteers serving those who drop in.

“I felt like it was time for me to give back,” says Allan. “There’s not many places around like Rough Edges.”

 

Pray

Some prayer points to help

Pray for the staff and volunteers at Rough Edges, and other social services which exist to support people on the fringes of Australian society.