Forty tonnes of donated books and a collection of puzzles, games and DVDs went on sale over the weekend to help fund Noosa Daybreak Rotary’s project to accommodate Noosa’s homeless
Since 2022, the group has donated more than $50,000 to assist more than 120 homeless people on the Sunshine Coast with accommodation through an agreement between Noosa Daybreak Rotary and the Salvation Army.
In 2021 Noosa Daybreak Rotary members became aware of a growing need for housing and shelter for homeless individuals and families after hearing there were about 40 homeless people sleeping in their cars each night and receiving counselling support from the Salvation Army.
“Our club explored various alternative ways to assist the largest number of people, within our financial capabilities,“ Rotarian Philip Smith said.
“After discussions with Salvation Army case workers from the First Response Team, we developed the Salvation Army Rotary Blessing Fund (SARB).“
Through the project more than 120 people have been assisted with motel respite, and a Salvation Army case management officer has been assigned to map out plans for these individuals to reintegrate into the community, and this includes applications for accommodation.
The project’s success is evident, with 78 per cent of participants securing accommodation by the end of the SARB support period, and 68 per cent of the remaining participants later on, securing long-term accommodation.
Noosa residents flocked to the popular annual Bookfest that was held this year at Noosa Leisure Centre.
Philip said Rotary’s other projects that may benefit from the Bookfest included the creation of mentrual kits which are put together by a group of Noosa women and supplied to women in Australia and overseas who are unable to afford period products; and the donation of books to developing countries including the Solomon Islands and Cambodia.
