AJ Bailey

From Homeless to Helper: AJ Bailey's Inspiring Journey with Orange Sky

In the bustling streets of Perth, AJ Bailey's story stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Orange Sky. From being a service user to becoming a dedicated team leader, AJ's journey embodies the organization's mission of fostering connection, restoring dignity, and changing lives.

Nine years ago, AJ found himself staying at St. Pat's, experiencing homelessness and struggling to make ends meet. It was during this challenging time that he first encountered Orange Sky's mobile laundry service. "I used Orange Sky for two weeks," AJ recalls. "And I loved it, I loved the service."

Inspired by the kindness and support he received, AJ took a leap of faith. He approached Helen, the team leader at the time, and asked if he could join the team. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of AJ's remarkable journey with Orange Sky.

Over the years, AJ worked his way up through the ranks, transitioning from a general volunteer to an assistant team leader, and finally to his current role as a team leader. Now, he volunteers on two shifts per week, one in Perth on Sundays and another at Gosnells on Wednesdays.

AJ's passion for the work is palpable. "I love giving it back to the community," he says with enthusiasm. His unique perspective as someone who has experienced homelessness firsthand adds depth and empathy to his interactions with Orange Sky's friends. "I feel good inside... Because I know what it's like because I've been on the street myself and I see both sides of the fence."

This dual perspective allows AJ to connect with Orange Sky's friends on a profound level. He understands their struggles, their needs, and the immense impact that a simple act of kindness can have. "I see people's faces with a big smile on their face," AJ shares, describing the joy he witnesses when people receive clean, dry clothes.

But for AJ, Orange Sky is about more than just providing clean laundry. It's about creating a sense of community, offering support, and being there for people in their moments of need. He recounts a particularly poignant experience where he helped prevent a suicide attempt, illustrating the life-changing impact that Orange Sky volunteers can have.

AJ's commitment to the cause extends beyond his volunteer shifts. He's passionate about expanding Orange Sky's services and resources to help more people in need. "I reckon Basil should pull his finger out his arse, spend money on accommodation for the homeless," he says candidly, advocating for more support from local government.

His dream is to see Orange Sky expand its capacity, adding more washing machines and dryers to serve the growing number of friends who rely on the service. "Every week I have between eight to ten friends come down. I don't like knocking them back," AJ explains, highlighting the ongoing need in the community.

For those considering supporting Orange Sky, AJ's message is clear and heartfelt. "Orange Sky is a really good service. We put clean clothes, showers, we supply showers... And to me it feels... I feel good inside. Yeah. Because I know what it's like because I've been on the street myself and I see both sides of the fence."

AJ Bailey's journey from homelessness to becoming a key member of the Orange Sky team is a powerful reminder of the organization's impact. It shows that with the right support and opportunities, people can not only overcome their own challenges but also become instrumental in helping others.

As Orange Sky continues to grow and touch more lives, stories like AJ's serve as an inspiration and a call to action. They remind us of the power of community, the importance of second chances, and the profound impact that a simple act of kindness can have on a person's life.

AJ's story is more than just a success story - it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion and community support. It embodies the very essence of what Orange Sky strives to achieve: not just providing a service, but building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.