Neighbourhood spirit shines through
Jolyon White, social justice enabler
| 10 Sep 2010
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Remember those who were already homeless before the quake struck, says Jolyon White, the diocesan social justice enabler.
Despite the fear and damage, the Christchurch quake has triggered fantastic neighbourhood support, with people meeting and caring for others they didn’t previously know.
As things start to calm down for people I think it will be important to remember that there were those who were homeless prior to this disaster, and they will still be homeless after this is over.
There is, for example, a serious lack of emergency shelter for women in Christchurch. Some stay in abusive relationships to keep a roof over their heads.
I hope the media will continue to run headlines like ‘catastrophe & disaster’ not just until we have fixed the cracks and returned to business as usual, but until we have fixed some of the cracks that already existed.
Here are early reports from two Anglican Care divisions: Family and Community, and the City Mission:
Family and Community
Their most important job has been listening and hearing peoples stories, and providing space for people to be together. People are shaken, some even more so after the Wednesday morning aftershock.
North New Brighton and Manuka cottage in Addington both had quite large and spontaneous community lunches on Monday morning. Up to 25 people gathered to share their stories.
Workers have been contacting fellow workers. Hoever, parents haven’t wanted to leave their children, so some have felt isolated.
People generally feel a need for contact with other people. That's a positive thing for our communities. And it's important to note the resilience of New Zealanders in looking out for their neighbours.
The Family and Community Division has also a morning tea for staff to share their own stories – caring for the carers.
Importantly, there are huge emotional needs, and people are scared but also supportive and resilient.
Community houses and workers have also encountered a number of people who feel guilty. They have escaped damage and don't know how to help.
What they have usually done is to check neighbours. This really has brought out the best in people.
Anglican City Mission
City Missioner Michael Gorman emphasizes that Mission clients are part of the community and are therefore affected in the same ways as property owners. But not only is there uncertainty about a roof over their heads and lost possessions; there's also worry about losing the infrastructure that supports them.
The Methodist Mission building, for example, is damaged and the food-bank has closed. At this stage the City Mission is taking up the slack.
It's also good to spare a thought for those who were struggling prior to the earthquake. They have had fewer resources and less ability to cope with additional difficulty.
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