By JOLENE OGLE
AS Noosa shivers its way through the coldest temperatures in five years, more than 1500 people will sleep rough throughout the shire and Sunshine Coast this season.
To help make life on the streets just a little more comfortable for those in need and to mark Homelessness Prevention Week from 3-9 August, Coast 2 Bay Housing along with Homelessness Australia, will host a connection day for anyone facing or experiencing homelessness on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa shire.
The Homeless Connect day on 6 August is a coast-wide initiative that brings together anyone experiencing or facing homelessness with services from across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa shire gathering at Quota Park, Matthew Street, Nambour, on Thursday 6 August, from 9-noon.
On the day, anyone in need can access housing, health and support services, financial counselling and legal services.
There will also be free haircuts, face painting and a jumping castle for the kids as well as a massive giveaway of collected and donated items to help make winter more comfortable.
Nambour Community Centre (NCC) is one of the many community groups to join the Homeless Connect Day and will this year collect new socks and underwear to donate to those in need.
NCC co-ordinator Mark Wischnat said the centre was excited to be able to help those facing or experiencing homelessness by offering new socks and underwear for collection on the day.
“Often the simple things can make a big difference, so we’re putting the call out to generous locals to donate new socks and underwear to those in need this winter,” Mark said.
“Homelessness is an issue that is Sunshine Coast wide and is not restricted to one certain area. We hope we can help as many people as possible be a little more comfortable this winter through kind donations.”
Donations of new socks and underwear in any size and shape can be donated through the Noosa Today office, 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, until 5 August.
All donations will be taken to the Nambour Community Centre for distribution at the Homeless Connect day on 6 August.
