Homelessness Week aims to raise community awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the impact of homelessness.
Held from Monday 7 to Friday 11 August there are a series of events organised to educate and advocate for change within the local community.
It’s Time to End Homelessness is the theme for Homelessness Week 2023.
Community organisations are collaborating to deliver a number of events in the Bundaberg Region.
Footprints Community's Erin Larsen said homelessness was sometimes the difference between two pays for some families and there were lots of complex reasons why people ended up without a home.
Erin said Homelessness Week helped to shine a light on the situation.
“These events are extremely important to raise much needed awareness with the hope of breaking some of the stigma attached with being or experiencing homelessness,” she said.
“The 2021 Census statistics showed that 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness and 272,000 people were at risk of becoming homeless, these statistics are only those people who sought assistance from agencies.”
Homelessness Week activities include a free breakfast and barbecue lunches, free haircuts, support information, and Pets in the Park activities.
These events are open to the whole community with priority shown to those who are currently homeless.
“We would like to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by people facing adversity and hardship as part of their everyday life,” Erin said.
Homelessness Awareness Week events:
Monday 7 August
Bundaberg CBD Precinct – Policebeat
TAFE hairdressers free haircuts
9 am to 12 pm
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
QLD Health Q Clinic
1 pm to 2 pm
Tuesday 8 August
Angels Community Group
Free breakfast + Pets in the Park – free vet checks
9 to 11 am
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Peirson Services free information support
11 am to 1 pm
Wednesday 9 August
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Peirson Services free information support
9 to 11 am
Free BBQ lunch
11 am to 1 pm
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Salvation Army free blankets and beanies
11.30 am to 1.30 pm
Thursday 10 August
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Footprints
9 to 11 am
Free BBQ lunch
11 am to 1 pm
Pets in the Park – free vet checks
12 pm to 2pm
Friday 11 August
CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Headspace
9 to 11 am
Free barbecue lunch
11 am to 1 pm
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CBD Precinct – Policebeat
Bridges
11 am to 1 pm
More information regarding Homelessness Awareness Week 2023 can be found here.
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