The City of Greater Geelong has partnered with Community Care Chemist to support people ‘sleeping rough’ in the municipality.
Rough sleeping refers to people who live on the streets, and who often sleep in places that are not designed to be slept in, including building doorways, bus-shelters, parks, under-passes, cars and carparks.
Rough sleepers often do not have a place to live, or a place to call home.
The City will provide $15,000 towards the provision of care packs containing essential items in a bum bag for those requiring assistance.
An estimated 300 packs will be provided, with each containing five standard items such as toiletries, along with a selection of other products tailored to suit the individual’s needs.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan:
The past two years, particularly contending with the financial impact of the pandemic, has revealed just how easily people can find themselves without a roof over their heads.
We see joining forces with Community Care Chemist as an important step in the City working closely with the homelessness sector to respond to issues facing people who are sleeping rough.
The provision of care packs forms an early step as the City continues to work with agencies such as NEAMI Towards home+ Geelong, Lazarus House, The Salvation Army, Barwon Children and Youth and Family (BCYF), to learn how it can best support people sleeping rough in the municipality.
Chair of the Social Housing Advisory Committee and Community Health and Aged Care portfolio holder, Cr Sarah Mansfield
This initiative is consistent with the City’s objective to see all members of the community treated with dignity and respect.
There are many, often complex reasons why a person may end up living on the streets, whether that be financial stress, including job loss and gambling, housing affordability and relationship/family breakdown.
Some of the people sleeping rough may even have their own accommodation, however personal issues such as isolation, mental health or drug/alcohol dependency may prevent them from using their property as they normally would.
Chief Executive Officer, Community Care Chemist, Nick Salkeld
Community Care Chemist is delighted to partner with the City of Greater Geelong in support of the rough sleeper initiative.
As Geelong’s only not-for-profit pharmacy, Community Care Chemist has a long history of caring for the health and well-being of the Greater Geelong community, and we are proud to continue this commitment through this initiative.
We look forward to working with other local organisations to ensure community members, who are affected by homelessness or experiencing financial hardship, have access to much needed personal care items, including toiletries and first aid supplies, all from their local Community Care Chemist.
If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless, seek support now.
- If you are 25 years old or older, contact The Salvation Army Homelessness Barwon on 5223 5400.
- If you are under 25, contact Barwon Child Youth & Family on 5226 8900.
- If you are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough contact NEAMI on 1300 050 093.
