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GALLERY: Big crowd converges on Hunter Homeless Connect Day

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Organisers are “over the moon” with the response to the first Hunter Homeless Connect Day in more than two years.

The region’s annual one-stop shop for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness returned to the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre on Wednesday following a COVID-enforced break.

There, residents could access free health checks, eye and hearing tests, immunisations, podiatry facilities and diabetes screening as well as support from breast screening, drug and alcohol, mental health, diabetes, brain injury, continence, community and aged care services, plus much more.

Hunter Homeless Connect (HHC) chairperson Michelle Faithfull envisaged the 2022 event would be “bigger than ever”.

And, her expectations were duly met.

“Approximately 1,200 guests, about 600 staff from 120 services and 60 volunteers, equalled just under 2,000 people on the ground,” she said.

“I’m thrilled by how well it was received.

“There was so much positive and grateful energy in the room and outside. 

“I think many people have missed the physical connection.

“The common theme, among conversations, appeared to be they were just happy to be together again.

“This important day helps to shine a spotlight on homelessness in our region and gets people vital assistance in a safe, non-threatening way.”

The 2016 Census showed more than 116,000 Australians, including 1,750 in the Hunter, were experiencing homelessness.

But, Ms Faithfull said COVID-19 impacts, domestic violence, as well as increased property prices and rents and a lack of social housing, meant the figures had likely increased.

“We need to dispel myths about homelessness and highlight its hidden nature,” she explained.

“For example, approximately 7% of those experiencing homelessness are sleeping rough, many more are couch surfing, or in refuges, boarding houses and emergency accommodation.

“It has appalling effects on people’s health and well-being, which is made worse by the fact that around one-in-10 have a disability and one-in-four suffer from a mental health issue.”

The Hunter Homeless Connect directory was also available.

It contains crisis contacts, clothing, emergency relief, healthcare, housing, food providers, domestic violence, refugee services, drug, alcohol and gambling services, financial support, mental health, and pet care.

For more information or to support its work, visit www.hunterhomelessconnect.org.au

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