Homelessness Week came about from various churches and missions running winter vigils to remember people who had died on the streets. The annual week is coordinated by Homelessness Australia to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face and the action needed to achieve enduring solutions. In 2019 Homelessness Week is August 4-10, with a theme “Housing Ends Homelessness”.
Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) is hosting its Newtopian Sleepout on the evening of August 6. Participants will experience a night of sleeping out under the stars in Newtown Square. Over the last two years, the Sleepout has raised over $200,000. All proceeds support the NNC’s case worker and support services. To make a donation click here.
On Friday August 9, the ninth annual CafeSmart is uniting local businesses and customers to raise funds for grassroots homeless services. More than 700 cafes and businesses are involved this year. For every coffee sold, cafes will donate $1 to StreetSmart, which will fund a service close to where the cafe operates. Last year CafeSmart raised $238,720 for 159 projects. Click here to find out more.
Cana Communities runs a number of accommodation and education services in South Sydney and beyond. Cana’s focus is on people who are most in need, those with fewest options. Cana’s Garden Shelter at South Sydney Uniting Church (56a Raglan St Waterloo) provides supper, support and overnight accommodation on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you’d like to know more about volunteering at the Shelter please contact Regina Madden: regrmm@gmail.com.
The SSH commends these and other initiatives, including the Big Issue, noting the strong commitment of many workers, volunteers and vendors. We acknowledge the Berejiklian government’s bid to halve street homelessness by 2025, and support Homelessness NSW chief executive Katherine McKernan’s call for government to provide sufficient housing to end homelessness.
