Port Waratah is supporting those experiencing homelessness throughout the month of August.
Until Sunday August 22nd, the Port Waratah Carrington Shiploaders will be illuminated in purple to recognise National Homelessness Awareness Week and help raise community awareness. Port Waratah isn’t stopping there, also announcing they are the principal Event Sponsor of this year’s Hunter Homeless Connect Day.
The Hunter Homeless Connect Day will be held on Wednesday 21st August at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. It is an annual event that links vulnerable people to vital services such as accommodation and housing providers, health and wellbeing, legal and financial assistance, employment, study and general support in a caring and dignified environment.
Port Waratah has supported the event for the last eight years.
“This is a significant social issue for our community. It’s important to do our part to raise the profile during National Homelessness Awareness Week and contribute to the support of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our city in a meaningful way,” said Port Waratah CEO Hennie du Plooy.
“Our team will be there volunteering on the day cooking a BBQ ensuring no one goes hungry on the day with a steady supply of breakfast and lunch rolls. The team repeatedly remark on the rewarding feeling of being directly involved in giving back to our community.”
Michelle Faithfull, of Home in Place, is the coordinator of Hunter Homeless Connect Day and expects the event to grow to more than 3000 guests this year.
“The need for emergency and social housing has increased significantly over the last few years through the Covid-19 pandemic, cost of living and housing increases, and surges in domestic and family violence.
“Homelessness is not just living on the streets. Rough sleeping constitutes around seven per cent of people experiencing homelessness. It also includes people who are living in their cars, couch surfing with friends and family, staying in refuges, boarding houses and insecure and temporary, emergency housing.
“This event can’t happen without the sponsors, like Port Waratah, and the services and volunteers that foster a culture of wellbeing and social connectedness for guests and encouraging a sense of being valued as a member of the community.”
Header image credit: Rick Garside.
