Homelessness can happen behind closed doors

Housing Plus are putting the spotlight on homelessness this Friday at a community event that aims to raise awareness of the causes behind homelessness and information on just what services are available.

The Couch Surfing for Homelessness Week community barbecue is being held to mark Homelessness Week, 6-12 August. The theme has been chosen to recognise that not everyone who is homeless is out on the streets, but there are many in need who ‘couch surf’ with friends and family to get by.

Housing Plus is currently experiencing unprecedented demand for homelessness and housing support services in the region.

In 2017-18, 1,232 people sought out homelessness support from the service, 717 of who were women.

Housing Plus Head of Community Services, Penny Dordoy, hopes to use a community barbecue to talk about the issues that are driving homelessness in Orange and let people know how Housing Plus can help.

“As well as providing crisis and transitional housing to people who are already homeless, we aim to prevent homelessness by helping people to sustain their tenancy. This is achieved through re-negotiating tenancy agreements, helping to put repayment plans in place, assisting with property care and linking people with services that can assist them with a range of social, welfare and legal needs,” Ms. Dordoy said.

Other services attending include Veritas, FACS, Housing NSW, Missions Australia and Live Better.

Housing plus are holding their community barbecue on Friday 10 August, 11am-3pm, in their foyer at 113 Byng Street and everyone is invited.