Yesterday we heard of the tragic death of Darren Stratti of the NGO, FoodWaterShelter. He’d been working with his partner Rebecca and other volunteers at the Kesho Leo project in Tanzania. Creating ecological living spaces to be provided for young mothers and babies, for homeless people in the area. “Living at home” has such different meanings when you are a young person depending upon the situation in your country. In many developed nations it means “I can stay as long as possible”. In countries in crisis it means “where can I live?” “where can I go?”Jollypeople.com has many posts about homelessness. They come from both the developed world as well as countries in crisis. Ill health can be a trigger in all situations. Drug dependancy, marriage breakups, fraught relationships. Financial constraints seem to be another cause in any environment. Making young people safe and secure while looking at managing complex situations can cause stress, so much stress the young people either don’t feel welcome or aren’t safe and secure.
When conditions are good parents wonder at what age they can ask their children to think of moving out. Teenagers seem to morph into adulthood while no-one is watching and all of a sudden it’s more like a shared household with rather lax housemates. While listening to a program on the subject today it was easy to reflect on the latest statistics (yes, we always take statistics with a huge sack of salt on our shoulder 
…) it shows young adults seem to be staying home longer. The lax housemates say with a smile that it’s easier to stay with Mamma and Pappa where everything is done so they can concentrate on having a good time. What is more relevant is the cost of housing in the developed world has changed attitudes and possibilities. In many cases, children are staying so they can save to have a deposit on some sort of independent housing.
In countries in crisis, children are often staying at home because they’ve lost parents through war, fighting, illness or abandonment. They need to take on the role of parent to bewildered siblings. The children becoming parents can be tiny themselves. Very young women become mothers without choice. At those times education, proper food, housing are seemingly out of reach. It’s purely survival. There are no choices. Situations are dire.
Charities like World Vision, Care, FoodWaterShelter, Medecin Sans Frontieres are working where it is common to find children in these conditions. The bravery of those who are putting their lives on the line is without reproach. Darren Stratti was brave, hard working and committed to providing an environment of safety and security. He worked with a team of people who put effort and courage into their project. Recently one of his sons came with his partner to work on the housing. Darren has left a loving partner, his family and friends and the Kesho Leo project who will continue to be inspired by his determination. What seems an insurmountable task to help people live humanely can begin in a refugee camp, a burnt out village, a destitute town. In those cases there is no choice, shelter becomes home.
Vale, Darren Stratti.
To learn more about Darren Stratti and foodwatershelter.inc you can go to their website at foodwatershelter.org.au
