HUNTER AGENCIES COMBINE TO TACKLE HOMELESSNESS
Government and non-government agencies combine for growing homelessness crisis ~ 26 November 2009 at Broadmeadow PCYC
For the past six months the community coalition has been working together to organise the Hunter Homeless Connect Day at which people who are homeless, struggling, doing it tough, or at risk of homelessness, will find a one-stop-shop of free services, activities, entertainment and giveaways.
In the Hunter, Samaritans, Wesley Mission and the Salvation Army are experiencing dramatic increases in the requests for their services and say that many are still doing it tough despite signs of economic recovery. Many of these people are the new wave of homeless, families with limited resources that simply can’t find a home they can afford to rent.
Hunter Homeless Connect Day is a step towards providing people of the Hunter who are struggling with an opportunity to access a range of free services on one day and at one location. The day is based on the ‘one-stop-shop’ model of service delivery developed in San Francisco and now in over 170 cities in the USA, Canada and Australia.
On 26 November 2009 at Broadmeadow PCYC, during National Social Inclusion week, the day will offer services such as birth certificates, assistance with applying for Housing, Centerlink, or filling out State Debt Recovery forms and health services, including dental, medical, and mental health.
The day will also offer those in need things that most people take for granted including hair cuts, facials, clothing, bedding, toiletries and much more, all for free.
Spokeswoman for the coalition, Helen Fielder-Gill said:
It’s very difficult for those experiencing housing stress to access the government and community services available to them.
Those experiencing homelessness require immediate assistance but it’s often impossible to walk alone through the vast array of services offered and many people fall between the cracks.
The Homeless Connect Day will not solve homelessness in our region but it will make it much easier for people to find out about services and connect with the help they need,” she said.
Further information can be found at www.hunterhomelessness.org.au
