The region’s Neighbourhood Centres took part in National Homelessness Week from August 1 to 7, supporting those who need it most through fundraisers and community forums.
With the national housing crisis an ever-growing concern, the local organisations continued their advocacy on behalf of those experiencing housing stress and especially for those without a roof over their heads at all.
Over 116,000 people experience homelessness on any given night.
On August 5, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre held its annual Hamburgers for Homelessness fundraiser, collecting $900 dollars to support the homeless of Bowen through the sale of hamburgers to the local community.
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said they hoped to “create awareness in the community for Bowen’s homeless”.
“This year, with the help of Grace Christian Church and Project Deliver Managers donating the resources for the burgers, we were able to raise $900 at our Hamburgers for the Homeless event. These funds will go towards swags and backpacks for those in need,” Ms Cora said.
“We thank the Bowen Community for their ongoing support for this amazing cause.”
Ms Cora said the event came at a troubling time.
“At present, the Bowen Neighborhood Centre is seeing around two people a day that are experiencing homelessness,” Ms Cora said.
“[We] saw 466 couch surfers during the 2021-2022 financial year, and we had 93 crisis inquiries. A total of 559 for the year. This is the highest we have ever seen.
“As the Neighborhood Centre is a referral pathway, we do not have the ability to house people as our resources are very stretched.
“Events like this are the least we can do to help.”
In the same week, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre invited locals to a meeting to advocate for people experiencing homelessness.
The Whitsunday Centre said between six to 10 people present to them asking for housing assistance each week.
They plan to continue regular meetings.
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre volunteers served up hamburgers to raise awareness and funds for Homelessness Week
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