HOMELESSNESS continues to be a growing concern in the region. Rising cost of living and the lack of affordable housing has seen an increase in people seeking homelessness support.
To battle the growing crisis, The Salvation Army in Greater Shepparton has three events for National Homelessness Week, August 4 to 10, acknowledging the prominence of homelessness locally and to promote awareness of the issue in the area.
Care Day will welcome people experiencing homelessness or facing housing insecurity to receive free treatments and checks, including haircuts and beard trims, dental checks, podiatry checks, mental health check-ins and a community nurse providing general health checks.
Held at the Salvation Army Church on the corner of Nixon and Orr Streets, on Wednesday, August 6, 10am to 3pm. Attendees will also be treated to a roast lunch as part of the Community Meal program run by the Salvation Army Corps.
End Homelessness for Good – Contributing Factors of Homelessness forum is open to the general public and students, to explain local statistics around homelessness and contributing factors that impact people and when combined, bring them closer to becoming unhoused. The forum takes place at La Trobe University on Thursday, August 7, at 11am.
Walking Home will be held at Victoria Lake, near SAM, on Friday, August 8, between 11am and 1.30pm with a free sausage sizzle. The event looks to increase awareness of homelessness as a prominent issue nationally, but also locally. The event will welcome youth services, homelessness services and politicians, as well as students from Shepparton secondary schools.
“The Salvation Army in Shepparton remains committed to working alongside others to ensure that all people have the opportunity to thrive. Experience shows that when a community comes together with purpose, amazing things can be achieved. Working together — government, private and public housing sector, community organisations and community members — we can make a difference now and for generations to come,” Major Scott Smallacombe from the Salvation Army Corps in Shepparton.
Registration is preferred for both End Homelessness for Good forum (limited seating) and Walking Home (catering). https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/shepparton/homelessnessweek/
No registration is required for the Care Day for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
