I’m Walking from Brisbane to Alice Springs to Serve My Community

A 2700km Journey to Expand Support for People Experiencing Homelessness

Key points:

Roby Curtis, founder of Emmanuel City Mission, is walking from Brisbane to Alice Springs to raise funds for extended overnight homelessness support in Brisbane.
ECM currently serves up to 250 people per week with meals, showers, laundry, and connection, and is aiming to expand its Night Sanctuary from one night to seven nights a week.
The walk coincides with the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s 1986 address in Alice Springs, a key inspiration behind Roby’s mission.

“Just out for a stroll, mate.”

When Hope Mornings caught up with Roby Curtis early on Monday morning, April 20, he was out for a walk.

Roby had just started on-foot for Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, more than 2700 kilometres from the shelter he founded in South Brisbane, Emmanuel City Mission.

“It’s quite the walk,” said Roby.

Set to finish on June 21, Roby’s Walk for Homelessness is raising funds to extend overnight support at Emmanuel City Mission (ECM).

“The last 16 years we have been looking after people in our city,” Roby said.

“Emmanuel City Mission takes care of up to 250 people experiencing homelessness and hardship, seven days a week.”

Every week, ECM provides about 500 meals, 100 showers and 60 loads of washing, as well as conversations and connection. “Peace, a way forward and clarity” are the sorts of positive influences which Roby hopes are always on offer.

ECM launched a “Night Sanctuary” last November, offering services and support one night per week.

Roby and his team want this to be increased.

“We absolutely believe it is possible to raise our $1 million target towards seven nights per week,” Roby said.

“[Helping to] get our rough sleepers in the city of Brisbane off the streets and into a secure facility where we can better triage and channel them into a brighter, better future.”

Roby’s Walk For Homelessness this year coincides with the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s 1986 address in Alice Springs.

“He’s one of the huge influences in my life and one of the main drivers of why I do what I do back in Brisbane,” Roby said.

“By merit of where my life took me, personal conviction and deep encounters in my young adult life, my life was never the same again.

“The more I invested in the powerful encounters that I had and that deep sense of calling on my life… I soon found it was all about service.

“Serving men and women and, particularly in our tradition, serving the most vulnerable.

“Those who have possibly made poor choices that have resulted in dire consequences.

“Those who have never known solid foundations.

“We find them often experiencing homelessness or hardship.