Chances Op Shop recently announced changes that will see a greater focus on Australian Street Aid Project’s homelessness support services.
The op shop’s floor space has been minimised, allowing space for a drop in lounge for those in need.
“We realised that there really is nowhere for these people to go through the day, and they needed access to amenities and charging facilities and somewhere safe to be,” said Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster.
“It’s worked really well and it’s very well utilised; we’ve had great feedback from people using the space.”
The drop in lounge provides users with amenities, charging facilities, books, desks, couches and a television to be used throughout the day.
Australian Street Aid Project has also employed a part-time Case Worker to assist with accessing drug, alcohol, mental health and legal support services.
“We’re seeing really positive outcomes for some of our service users not necessarily just around homelessness but around other factors that create barriers to housing,” said Ms Brewster.
“People just really like to have a place to be where they’re not asked to leave and where they’re out of the elements; somewhere they can relax, find support, have conversations with people.
“It’s helped us to develop better and more therapeutic relationships with people, spending a little bit more one on one time with them.”
Ms Brewster said Australian Street Aid Project has seen a dramatic increase in service users, with the number of meals dispersed into the community spiking from around 350 meals a week two months ago to over 500 meals a week.
To accommodate the increase in demand, Chances Op Shop will now be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, closing from Sunday to Tuesday.
“We’re hoping it will help to increase our revenue which goes directly into the homelessness services so we can create a more sustainable environment and continue providing all those services,” Ms Brewster said.
The op shop is celebrating Super Saturday this Saturday, August 12 to mark the first Saturday opening, with all clothing half price and all other items discounted by 15%.
Australian Street Aid Project has also launched it’s Pay It Forward Meal campaign, asking locals to donate as little as $7.50 to pay forward a meal for their many clients who come in for homelessness assistance.
Visit www.austreetaid.org for more information.
Australian Street Aid Project Founder Kayleigh Brewster. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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