More than thirty people gathered at the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney offices in Leichhardt on Tuesday 30 June for From Stories to Solidarity, a Table Talk marking the conclusion of Stage 3: Relationship of the A Home for Every Neighbour campaign.
The gathering brought together parishioners from across the Sydney Archdiocese, Sydney Alliance organisers and assistant organisers, and representatives from other organisations including the St Vincent de Paul Society and Leichhardt Local Police. United by a shared commitment to housing justice, participants reflected on the power of relationships to deepen understanding, strengthen communities and inspire collective action in response to Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis.
The evening began with a deeply moving keynote address from Chris Baulman, whose remarkable life journey challenged many assumptions about homelessness. After spending more than two decades working in the investment and mining industries, Chris experienced homelessness firsthand. Rather than allowing this period to define him, he spoke of how it ultimately led him to discover a renewed sense of faith, purpose and community. His story demonstrated that while homelessness can strip away security, genuine relationships can restore dignity, hope and belonging. Chris’ honesty and humility reminded everyone present that behind every statistic is a person with dreams, gifts and an inherent dignity.
Following the keynote, attendees heard from a diverse panel of leaders whose work spans faith communities, community organising and frontline support services. Panellists included Meghan Bingham from the St Vincent de Paul Society, Ruby King from the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Jess Harrison from the Sydney Alliance, Michael Walker from the Justice and Peace Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, and Annette Flanagan, Religious Coordinator at Mary MacKillop College, Wakeley.
Each panellist reflected on how relational advocacy has transformed their understanding of the housing and homelessness crisis, and how has it strengthened their community to respond.
Their responses highlighted a common theme. Meaningful change begins not with policy alone, but with relationships. By listening deeply to people with lived experience, building trust across diverse communities, and creating spaces where stories can be shared, each panellist spoke of moving beyond assumptions to genuine solidarity. These relationships have not only reshaped their understanding of the crisis but have also empowered schools, parishes and organisations to take practical action together.
The evening itself embodied this spirit. Around each table, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations, sharing their own experiences and reflecting on what it means to ensure every person has a place to call home. New relationships were formed across organisations and communities, reinforcing the belief that lasting change is built one conversation at a time.
As the Relationship Stage of the A Home for Every Neighbour campaign draws to a close, From Stories to Solidarity served as both a celebration and a challenge. The stories shared throughout the evening reminded everyone that housing justice is not simply about buildings or policies – it is about people, belonging and the relationships that bind communities together.
These foundations will now carry the campaign into its next phase, Stage 4: Action. Grounded in the stories heard and the relationships built over recent months, participants left the gathering with a renewed commitment to advocate together so that every neighbour has the dignity, security and hope of a home.
Emilia Nicholas
Community Engagement Officer, Josephite Justice Network