Within 10 hours on 18th January 2003, 4 people had died and over 500 homes were destroyed when a ferocious fire storm impacted residential areas in Canberra, ACT AUSTRALIA.
My parents home was in one of the worst affected streets, directly across from a large pine tree plantation. With no warning or comprehension of what was about to happen we were forced to flee in a car. Within minutes both sides of the road were alight and we knew we would be lucky to get out alive – thankfully we did however, my parent’s home, their two cars and all of their belongings were destroyed.
As a feng shui consultant and teacher, I had always had a passion for ‘home’ and what it meant to people. On this day it took on a whole new meaning and the idea to start ‘Suddenly Homeless: The Journey Home Project’ arose from the ashes.
In researching ‘homelessness’ I discovered that Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Program defined it as:
‘An inadequate experience of connectedness with family and or community,’
This confirmed my belief that even amidst great adversity, with the right support and connections people CAN have a strong sense of home in themselves. With a resilient sense of home, they have the best foundation from which to rebuild their life.
Thank-you for taking the time to visit this website.
Whatever has brought you here, may your inner home be a source of deep peace and comfort…
Lots of love,
Emily J Rooney