MORE than 900 people were looking for a leg-up at the annual Homeless Connect Day at TRECC on Thursday.
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Local organisations and businesses stepped out of their offices to show some support, even in its simplest form, to the those down on their luck.
It was James Ardill’s first appearance representing Liberty Foodcare and the flood of people looking support wasn’t surprising to the pastor.
“When you look at the stats and when you’re involved with various welfare organisations ... you just now there are a lot of people who are struggling and doing it tough,” he told The Leader.
“The sheer demand for what we’re offering says that there is a great need for this and I’m happy that we’re able to help.”
He said people mightn’t be aware of how many in the community may be struggling.
“In my position as a pastor, I see both sides of the story, I know the well-to-do people and the people who are struggling,” he said.
“This is an attempt to widen that understanding and be more considerate.”
A chance to give back
As people helped themselves to free food, coffee, clothing and information, two local hair salons donated their time to give as many haircuts as they could fit in to the five-hour window.
Amber Lahrs from Jess and James Hair and Makeup guessed she would do 35-plus haircuts in the day; more than six times her usual work load.
“I think a good haircut makes people feel a bit better about themselves,” she said.
“This is our only chance to give back to the community, I would like to do it a bit more.”
It might be all in day’s work for Ms Lahrs, but she saw the importance of the gesture for people in attendance.
“I think it’s great for a lot of people who are here today,” she said.
“If you’ve got a good haircut and some some nice clothes, job interviews and stuff are a lot easier.”
Tamworth Family Support Service helped organise the day and expected more than 900 people through the doors, up by more than 20 per cent on last year’s turn-out.
“It’s all about getting the right information ... all in the one spot for people to come and if they need help, they can get it straight away,” Leigh Smith said.