DONATIONS of clothing, non-perishable foods and toiletries have come flooding in as Gunnedah Family Support Homebase prepares to help host Gunnedah’s second annual Homeless Connect Day on August 8.
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With just under a quarter Gunnedah renting households having trouble keeping up with the rent, the day will see all of the community’s public services band together to help those most in need.
Home Base homelessness services case worker, Lenelle Ritter, said a big part of the day was showing people in need what long-term help was on offer.
“It’s really about breaking down the stigma that surrounds homelessness,” Ms Ritter said.
“When people think of homelessness they imagine someone sleeping on a park bench, and that’s just not accurate.
“It can affect anyone, there will be so much help on offer on the day, from immediate things such as warm clothes, a hot meal and haircuts.
“To long-term help such as budget assistance, assistance in finding out what kind of government benefits people may be entitled to, or helping to correct any rental issues people have.
“There is a lot of help on offer and the day in a big way is about showing people what help is out there.”
Ms Ritter said homelessness could affect anyone in the community.
“Gunnedah is not alone when it comes to housing affordability issues,” she said.
“It’s a national issue, it affects young people moving out for the first time, pensioners no longer working, or as we are seeing at the moment, farmers doing it tough during the drought.
“These issues often snowball into bigger issues, so it’s really important that anyone in need comes along and has a look at what is on offer.”
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The homelessness services case worker said donations from the community were always welcome.
“We have been very grateful to receive so many donations so far,” she said.
“It’s been great to see, and hopefully we can see more come in before the event.
“A donation doesn’t have to be something big, in fact it’s often the small things that are the most important, like last year we were able to help a woman have her first haircut in 10 years.
“Those kinds of things are really special and a big reason why we as a community, should get involved in a day like this.”
- Homeless Connect Day will be held at the Gunnedah Town Hall from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 8 August.
- Transport is available.
- For more information or to book transport contact Lenelle Ritter on 6742 2967.