Virtual event to drive awareness for people doing it tough

0

While most of us cannot wait for the day when we can leave home freely again, can you imagine not even having a home?

That’s a reality for far too many people across the Hunter and something Danielle Whyte is trying her hardest to change. 

As part of the management team for the Our Backyard – Car to Home Project she works with the community to help those experiencing homelessness. 

Danielle Whyte is hoping the Night Under the Stars event will raise awareness of homelessness. Photo: Peter Stoop

Based out of the Macquarie Life Church in Cardiff, the not-for-profit provides a safe place for people to park their cars and sleep overnight.

The site provides amenities and security for those doing it tough. 

“We started about five years ago and how it came about was because the council approached our church because they knew we had a big car park,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.

“There was a massive growing problem of people sleeping in public car parks and while it took a while to get the church onboard and get it over the line it eventually came to life.

“We try to assist people get into properties for the long-term. 

“We work with Link2Home and try to get people a roof over their head rather than a car. 

“We can fit hundreds on site, but on an average night we probably have two or three cars, but we have had up to 10.”

To help raise funds for their vital work and thank the community, the charity is hosting a virtual event this Saturday 21 August. 

From 7pm the team are encouraging participants to sleep in their cars for a glimpse at what it’s like to call a motor vehicle home. 

“Night Under the Stars is so we can thank the community because people do assist us on a weekly basis with donations,” Danielle said.

“We also have volunteers that work seven days a week, we are open every single day 365 days a year, we don’t close for holidays or anything.

“We actually find holiday times are our busiest periods, especially around Christmas.”

During the online event they will have people who have slept on the premises share their stories. 

It will all be live streamed through Facebook and YouTube. 

Danielle added the speakers will likely change your view of homelessness. 

“It’s about creating awareness for what it’s like for people sleeping in their cars, we consider them as primary homelessness, but I think sometimes the government doesn’t see it that way,” she said.

“They are not really on their radar because they have a roof over their head, but they need access to services and amenities like showers and toilets.”

For more information on the event or to donate to the Our Backyard – Car to Home Project go to macquariecare.org.au

Anyone experiencing homelessness and sleeping in a registered motor vehicle is encouraged to contact the service on its intake number: 0402 155 586.

“Homelessness can affect any walk of life,” Danielle said.

“We don’t turn anyone away; we just try to meet people where they are at and get them help.

“We are one of the few services that takes everybody in no matter what their gender or background is.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

For more community news: