The region’s annual event to provide one-stop shop services to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness is back in 2022.
Hunter Homeless Connect Day returns to the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 10 August.
It follows a two-year COVID-19 enforced break.
Staff from 120 service providers and 60 additional volunteers will be on hand – from hairdressers to health providers, while volunteers are available to offer support to all participants.
Hunter Homeless Connect (HHC) chairperson Michelle Faithfull is expecting this year’s event to be bigger than ever, catering to more than 1,000 guests.
“Thanks to support from Hunter New England Health and other providers, our health hub will be extensive,” she said.
“On the day people can get free health checks and eye and hearing checks, immunisations, podiatry services, diabetes screening as well as support from breast screening, drug and alcohol, mental health, diabetes, brain injury, continence, and community and aged care services.
“We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services as well as key government agencies such as NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages, Services NSW, Services Australia (Centrelink) and Hunter Water.
“All the local housing support and refuge services will be there, too.
“Home matters, help matters and hope matters – and this important annual day helps to shine a spotlight on homelessness in our region and gets people vital support in a safe, non-threatening way.
“Those experiencing homelessness were particularly vulnerable during the pandemic and need support more than ever.
“Many locals have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 restrictions and many remain at risk of homelessness.
“They face hardship and also have no idea where to find support.
“So, the day is an excellent example of what service providers, government agencies, businesses and individuals can achieve by working together.”
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.
A survey conducted by volunteers at the 2019 event revealed that, for the fourth straight year, women outnumbered men among those seeking assistance.
The 40-54 age group continued to represent the largest number of attendees.
“We need to dispel myths about homelessness and highlight its hidden nature,” Faithfull said.
“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 will also be 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.
There are specific sections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability and young people.
A PDF copy is available on the Hunter Homeless Connect website and there is a mobile App version.
Hunter Homeless Connect is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation working to build an inclusive community with zero judgement.
Supported by a community coalition of government and non-government services and volunteers, HHC helps people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
The first Hunter Homeless Connect Day was held in 2009.
For more information or to support its work, visit www.hunterhomelessconnect.org.au
Hunter Homeless Connect Day
- When: Wednesday 10 August
- Where: Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre
- Time: 9am to 2pm
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