People working within the homelessness sector in the Shepparton region gathered today at Friars Cafe for an awareness morning tea for Homelessness Week.
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The morning tea was organised by Hume Region Homelessness Network - a collaboration of the 14 homelessness funded agencies across the Hume region.
More than 30 people attended, including representatives from Beyond Housing, The Bridge Youth Services, SalvoCare and Primary Care Network.
Attendees not only networked but also participated in a game of trivia on local homelessness.
Hume Region Homelessness Network co-ordinator Linda Grellman said there was ''excellent'' knowledge on the topic.
She said it was a successful morning tea raising more than $300 to be donated back to a local homelessness agency.
''We're coming together today to mark Homelessness Week, which is a national event.
''It's about raising community awareness as well as some funds for local services.
''The turnout was fabulous - we've had people attend from all sorts of groups including agencies, community groups and support services - it was really inspiring to see.''
This year's theme for Homelessness Week is 'housing ends homelessness'.
Ms Grellman said the theme reflected the real issues happening in Shepparton.
''It's common knowledge housing is a big issue in Shepparton, with the region reporting the highest rate of homelessness in regional Victoria.
''It's important we come together and have these conversations.
''These really important conversations and awareness is the best start we can have,'' Ms Grellman said.
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