Faith Middleton

My why.

Homelessness.
Something we walk past every day, often without a second thought. And while I’ve never shared my personal experience with it, @neddbrockman’s relentless work to raise awareness and funds has pushed me to get uncomfortable — because stories can create change.

This year marks 10 years since I spent several months living in my car. I picked up every overnight shift I could just to avoid being alone in the dark, and used friends’ homes during the day to shower and get ready for work. It felt safer to sleep in daylight.

Looking back, I know I was unusually fortunate — no one ever tried to get into my car while I slept (except for a few police welfare checks), and after nearly 6 months, friends found out and offered me a place to stay.

But so many people experiencing homelessness don’t have that.
They don’t have a job to go to for warmth, a car to lock behind them, people interceding for them, or friends willing to open their doors.

But they do have @wearemobilise, who are doing the work to bring people out of homelessness.

That’s why I’m sharing this story — one most of my friends don’t even know — and participating in @neddsuncomfortablechallenge.

To mark the 10-year milestone, I’m taking on "The 10%er" — running 16km a day for 10 days straight. It genuinely scares me, but I’m safe, healthy, and surrounded by the love that helped shape me. So I’m putting my comfort aside to support those who don’t have any.

Please donate if you can, or reach out if you want to join my team and get uncomfortable too. Donations are tax deductible, and @wearemobilise show exactly how each dollar helps.

122,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness on any given night.
It’s time to step up — for those who can’t find comfort themselves.