The 9th Tamworth Homeless Connect Day will open doors to a range of local support services and housing support for many people who are experiencing tough times. The aim of this annual event is to create a community connection by providing a one-stop market of services in a safe and welcoming environment, without judgement of the situation people find themselves in.
A number of local services have worked together to bring this event to the community. Major supporters include Joblink Plus, One of a Kind, Flourish Australia, Homes North Community Housing, Tamworth Family Support Services and Tamworth Regional Council. Transport services have been generously donated by Tamworth Buslines and Hannaford Bus Services, warm meals will be offered thanks to Rapid Relief Team Australia, and Foodbank NSW & ACT will have fresh fruit and vegetables available to attendees. 2340 Barbershop and Blonde Republic will be offering free haircuts as a means of refreshing personal confidence for those who are struggling with life pressures beyond their control.
With the cost of living pressures being experienced by so many, organisers are anticipating an increase in demand for information on the services being represented. Ms Katrina Higgins, spokesperson for the Tamworth Homeless Connect organising committee, said “It is a massive event, which proves it is well needed by the community. 2022 was the first year back after two years of COVID. We had record numbers with over 1300 people attending that day. This year we are definitely expecting that number to rise.”
With the expected increase in the number of people attending, Ms Higgins explained “This day is a day to connect to services that can assist with homelessness and risk of homelessness, and to find support from organisations that service our community. There will be free haircuts, entertainment, warm meals, clothing and blankets, fresh produce, basic essentials such as toothpaste and toiletries, free activities for children and so much more. People can apply for a free Birth Certificate, they will just need to bring some identification. We are also encouraging people to bring their shopping bags to fill with fresh produce.”
This free event will provide a central access point to connect with a broad range of service providers including accommodation, employment, Legal and Financial, health, education and life skills, and family support. Forty-eight providers have registered to create awareness of their services, including employment services, education, and health services providers.
The Homeless Connect Day will be held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC). Tamworth Buslines and Hannafords Bus Service have kindly provided free transport to assist with connecting people to the service provider market place. A special event bus timetable will be in effect for the day, connecting people from Coledale, Quirindi, Manilla, Bendemeer, Oxley Vale, North and East Tamworth and South Tamworth.
This event will be on Thursday 27th July, between 10am to 2pm. More information can be found on the Tamworth Homeless Connect Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Openingdoors12
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