31 July 2020.
In the lead up to National Homelessness Week, Anglicare in Goulburn would like to acknowledge the generous support of local businesses whose food donations are helping to fill the emergency relief pantry at our homelessness service. Issues contributing to housing stress and homelessness including domestic violence, unemployment and financial instability have ramped up in a year marred by Covid-19 and bushfires, leading to greater numbers of people seeking out housing support services like Anglicare.
“The need for community support has never been greater. Last month we assisted 178 clients in Goulburn alone,” says Tracey Roberts, Anglicare’s Homelessness Service Coordinator. “This is why having the support of people in our community is so encouraging. The Goulburn community should be really proud of the way they are stepping up to make a difference for people who are facing housing stress, especially during National Homelessness Week. Having a safe and appropriate place to rest, live and bring up your children should not be an optional extra just for those who can afford it – it’s essential for everyone,” says Ms Roberts.
Heidi McEntree, Office Manager at Goulburn First National Real Estate, is pleased to offer their assistance.
“This is our second year supporting the Anglicare Pantry Appeal. We love the opportunity to give back to a community who have been so supportive of our business over the past 15 years. We felt especially compelled to open our office to donations again due to the current climate with COVID-19, this has impacted so many people to be in a vulnerable position and we felt like opening our office to further donations would be our small way of assisting,” says Ms McEntree.
“The support we have received has been outstanding and whilst we know that many have been financially impacted we are grateful to all donations – whether that be a bulk donation or an extra one or two items in the weekly shop.”
Dream Admin, Crust Pizza, Tarago CWA, Goulburn Soroptomists and Orana Preschool have also recently assisted with donations of food and other practical items.
“Seeing the range of people reaching out to help us – children, volunteer organisations, businesses – it’s really encouraging and needed. The Anglicare team are so grateful. Thank you!” says Ms Roberts.
Food will be distributed through Anglicare Goulburn’s Housing Support Service and Emergency Relief Service which provide assistance to over 600 people a year. On average, those accessing the service need food and referral assistance for two months or more. Young people aged between 20 and 29 years of age were the group in greatest need, with lack of stable employment, domestic violence and the threat of evictions as the biggest drivers of need.
For further information about Anglicare’s services or for more information on partnership with Anglicare Goulburn through the Pantry Appeal, call (02) 4823 4000.
