Council, local services and the community are coming together for Homelessness Week to raise awareness and support those experiencing homelessness.
Port Stephens Council is encouraging the community to take action during the national Homelessness Action Now campaign, which runs from 3 to 9 August, while highlighting the vital local partnerships helping address the issue across Port Stephens.
Mayor Leah Anderson said addressing homelessness is a cause she is deeply passionate about and requires immediate action.
“Homelessness Week raises awareness of the heartbreak homelessness causes and recognises the organisations who are taking action every day to support vulnerable people,” Mayor Anderson said.
“Homelessness can affect anyone. It isn’t always visible, and it’s about much more than sleeping rough. This Homelessness Week, we’re joining communities across Australia in recognising that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”
“Through Council’s Homelessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group, we’re working with community organisations, government agencies and service providers. Together, we can create better outcomes for people doing it tough,” Mayor Anderson added.
The need for collaboration continues to grow. Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS), the region’s specialist homelessness service, is funded to support 348 people each year. Last financial year, they allocated homelessness case workers to 651 people, including 170 children. Of those clients, 213 identified domestic and family violence as the direct cause of their homelessness.
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services Assistant Manager Ann Fletcher said the figures highlight the alarming growing demand for homelessness services across the region.
“Every one of these numbers represents a person, a young person or a family facing one of the most difficult times in their lives. Homelessness Week is an opportunity for our community to better understand the realities of homelessness, show compassion and support the services helping people find not just a place to stay, but a place to call home,” Ms Fletcher said.
As part of Homelessness Week, Council is also supporting the Samaritans Green Light Appeal, which funds Samaritans Student Accommodation. This is the only service of its kind in the Hunter providing safe accommodation and support for young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness while completing their education or training.
“We encourage everyone to learn more about homelessness, wear green during Homelessness Week and take action by supporting the organisations making a real difference in our community,” Mayor Anderson said.
To learn more about Homelessness Week, visit: homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-week/
