Michelle Foley and Norma Jessup pack bags of essentials for attendees to take away.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
For last week’s Homelessness Week, Shepparton’s Salvation Army assembled its troops for an event that provided practical and immediate help to those facing housing insecurity in our community.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The first-of-its kind ‘Care Day’ event hosted by the organisation was held within its church space and saw 93 people through the doors for a hearty roast beef lunch and other vital services.
Headspace community awareness co-ordinator Frankie Doig prepares clothes for people to look at as they come through the church on the Care Day.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Health and hygiene providers came together to support people who are homeless or facing homelessness who walked in on the day.
Some 30 haircuts were given, 15 dental examinations and cleans carried out, and six large bags of warm coats, donated by The Bridge Youth Services, went to new owners.
VAB Hairdressing’s Vic Bovalino and Salvation Army youth service co-ordinator Tamara Flanagan providing free hair cuts and beard trims during the Care Day.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In addition, podiatry services and mental health checks were provided, while community nurses and a general practitioner also saw several clients.
Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic’s Sherri Smith-Hoyer chats to an attendee about hearing health during the Care Day.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Care Day marked one of three successful events for the Salvation Army during Homelessness Week, with 69 people filling the 73-seat space at La Trobe University on August 7 for an ‘End Homelessness For Good’ forum and 88 people joining a Walking Home awareness walk the following day.
“A cross-section of services shared some basics around homelessness and how various cohorts have similar and different challenges in the space,” Salvation Army North East Youth Services youth participation worker Jim Gow said about the forum.
He said some great discussions stemmed from thoughtful questions by attendees.
Ninety-three locals attended the Care Day for free homelessness services.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Local homelessness services, students, politicians and councillors were among those at Friday’s walk and barbecue event.
“Leftover sausages were taken by members of the homeless community to take back to their fellow community members, which is fantastic,” Mr Gow said.
