A monthly barbecue this morning, Friday, August 11, has brought Homelessness Week to a close for 2023.
The annual event is an effort by Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) to draw attention to the issue of homelessness in Mackay while providing information and resources to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“It’s about everyone who is homeless, and that can be rough sleepers, people who are couch surfing, people who live in overcrowded conditions, people who don’t have a secure tenure,” said CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth.
“For people on a low income, people who don't have a rental history, people who might be on a single income or benefit, it’s extremely difficult to get any accommodation.”
Homelessness Week offered the opportunity for the community to come together and share information and resources, including financial and budgeting tips, information sessions, meet and greets, and “homeless hacks”.
In the last financial year, CASA distributed over $470,000 and over 1,000 food vouchers to those in need.
From January 2023 to July 2023, 1,567 nights of accommodation to different people in need.
Ms Wirth said CASA’s services provide outreach, crisis housing, homestay and food services, but more needs to be done for a permanent solution.
“I would like to see more properties, more tenure, more bricks and mortar,” she said.
“Whether it’s social housing, community housing, more affordable housing full stop, anything as long as there are more options available for people.”
Visit www.casamackay.org.au to find out more.
CASA Manager Lorraine Wirth. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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