ORGANISERS of the Homeless Connect Day have been overwhelmed by the response they have had from the community.
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The event, which will be held at TRECC on June 27, has been created to bring service providers and the homeless together on one day, in one venue, to allow for an easy flow of information and provide help where it is most needed.
Steering committee chairman Matthew Teece said it was fantastic that the Tamworth community was so supportive of the event, which he believes, is the only such day to be held in the New England and North West region.
“Forty government and non-government organisations have so far put their hands up to be involved and we’ve been amazed at the number of people who just want to come and help on the day,” Mr Teece said.
“On a day-to-day basis, it is difficult for homeless people to get to these service providers so it’s a great opportunity for them to see what’s available and get the help they need.”
Mr Teece isn’t yet certain about attendance numbers but will be catering for between 200 and 300 people.
He said there are many people who are considered homeless by the government census but wouldn’t classify themselves in that category.
Service providers are overwhelmed by the number of youth accessing local services who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
“There is a large percentage of youth who couch-surf, which is considered to be a homeless state. Having safe and secure accommodation is vital to anyone’s wellbeing,” Mr Teece said.
People attending the day will be able to get a free bus ride to the centre and enjoy a nutritious lunch provided by Rotary.
“We’ll be handing out toiletry packs, people can get a massage, a haircut. The day will be a little bit about pampering people,” Mr Teece said.
“There will be lots of services they can access that they don’t normally come across.
“They will be able to get their birth certificate, which is a vital document for anyone wishing to access community services.”
The day will be centred around six hubs which will focus on employment training and education; family and health services; accommodation and housing; legal and financial aid and a clothing hub.
Local employment agencies, TAFE, Joblink Plus and Youth Connections will be on hand to assist with employment and education issues.
The Benevolent Society, along with Family and Community Services and Tamworth Family Support Services, will be there to help with family issues.
The nurses of the UNE Coledale Clinic will conduct health checks, helping with problems such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels and respiratory complaints.
Oral and mental health services will be represented by such groups as Oral Health, CentreCare and headspace, a mental health service for youth.
Housing NSW and Homes North will be busy in the accommodation hub along with Streetswags, a Queensland-based group which has been providing swags to the homeless for many years.
Legal Aid and the State Debt Recovery team will be available to help with problems such as overdue fines and personal debt.
A clothing hub will offer a great range of clothing and depending on the success of their appeal, Lifeline will be giving away blankets to those in need.
