Charity Give Until it Hurts (GUIH) hosted an information event in Sunbury for National Homelessness Week, aiming to raise awareness of homelessness and link people to support services.
The event was titled ‘From Homeless to Hopeful’ and took place at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House on Wednesday, August 7.
It included representatives from Centrelink, VincentCare, NDIS and aged care, Orange Door, Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, Victoria Police, and Northern Community Legal Centre.
The event helped to mark National Homelessness Week, running from August 5–11, with this year’s theme being ‘Homelessness Action Now’.
National Homelessness Week aims to raise awareness and educate people about the causes and impacts of homelessness, advocating for change and discussing solutions to reduce homelessness in communities.
GUIH president and social worker Garnet Jacob said the From Homeless to Hopeful event was an opportunity for those experiencing homelessness and transient living situations to ask questions to local service providers and agencies.
“People are sleeping … rough. Not only during this time, but throughout the year,” Mr Jacob said.
Mr Jacob said he would like to see more agencies and service providers in the areas of financial counselling, youth counselling, mental health, and housing support in Sunbury.
He said GUIH is broadening its projects and is looking for more volunteers to assist with current and future programs.
Details: guih.org/
Oscar Parry
