From being homeless to helping the homeless, Matt Runnalls and Jason Rantall led a discussion at Friday night's Community Sleepout on how community members can potentially change someone's life.
Both Matt and Jason have actively supported homeless people for a number of years through Melbourne's Christmas on the Streets program.
Matt spoke about three different responses to homelessness: apathy - seeing, stepping over and not giving it a thought; sympathy - throwing money at the problem and in their heart wanting to do more; and, empathy - understanding the misconceptions of homelessness and taking a humane approach to brighten someone's day.
"We often say we are busy but it's a word that people use when they don't know how to prioritise," Matt said. "Sometimes it is about being the person who makes a difference."
Through their presentation, Matt and Jason wanted to provide community members with the confidence of how they could help a homeless person.
They said it was important people did not impose food or other goods onto a homeless person because that was what they believed they needed. Sometimes, they said, people just want a conversation.
"Ask them how they are going, give them the right to respond," Jason said. "Allow them to have a conversation, we are there to listen."
Matt encouraged people to approach a homeless person with humility, not authority.
"Don't assume you know what people want because sometimes it's just a hello that they want. They don't want something materialistic, sometimes it's just a good conversation."
"Don't promise things you can't deliver, be consistent...don't just tick a box and not return. Show up as yourself, don't complicate it," he said.
Matt said a simple head nod during a conversation was a sign you were engaged in the conversation and listening.
He said there should be no judgement, no criticism, no advice and no answers.
"The essence of a human being is to be loved, seen, heard and valued," he said.
Left: Community Sleepout organising committee (from left) Lardner Park ceo Craig Debnam, Gazette editor Yvette Brand, MindfullAus ceo Matt Runnalls, Frankies Community Kitchen ceo Geoff Manson, Gazette journalist Emma Ballingall and Baw Baw Shire Cr Ben Lucas.