By Ethan Benedicto
The large steps on the second level of Bunjil Library were decorated by over 100 origami houses on Monday 12 August, a combined community effort to raise awareness amidst Homelessness Week.
Ticking off each colour of the rainbow, the houses were made by members of the local community which included children’s groups but also adults, with Bunjil Library previously inviting the public to take part in the craft-making activity.
Connected Libraries’ manager of children, youth and outreach, Cenza Fulco, said that the houses were part of a much larger initiative for Homelessness Week.
“The display of origami houses kind of really resonates with [Homelessness Week], and it’s a cute thing to get the community involved in making a house themselves.
“But it’s also about the conversations around the creation of the house that you can talk about.
“We’ve had children’s groups making houses, had adults drop in to make houses, and it’s the conversations around you know, ‘there are people that are homeless that don’t have a house like we do, so can you make a house?’,” she said.
The concept of Origami Houses began with Homelessness Australia, with the significant, yearly display of 6000 houses at the steps at Parliament House, representing 10 per cent of the 60,000 social homes needed in Victoria.
Over 72,839 origami houses were folded across the state, with a large portion of those displayed at the Parliament steps on 31 July.
At a more local level, 1800 origami homes were folded throughout all six Connected Libraries branches, including Bunjil Library.
To Ms Fulco, the act of speaking about homelessness, from children to adults is important to “break down the stigma”.
“I think there is sometimes the perception of homeless people we see and the fear around them, but it’s about making them real people with real experiences.
“We at Connected Libraries have always wanted to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and that includes people that are homeless or sleeping rough.
“For them to feel welcomed, even just spending the day in the library where they’re not bothered or annoyed; and that’s part of creating safe spaces and how it connects for [Connected Libraries],” she said.
The other integral part of the origami houses initiative is its encouragement of the homelessness drive and the fundraising surrounding it.
Discover Joy is one of these endeavours during the Christmas season, where food materials and other perishables are delivered to community organisations.
“We partner with some community organisations and encourage people to come to the libraries to donate and pass the good message along,” Ms Fulco said.
Part of the much larger campaign by the Victorian Homelessness Network, it calls for the construction of 60,000 social homes to meet the state’s current need, as well as implementing a 10 year nationwide place with a commitment to end homelessness.
The Donation Drive at Bunjil Library is currently ongoing and will conclude on Sunday 18 August.
