Help Those Sleeping Rough

This is Homeless Persons Prevention Week, and Wollongong Council has given us a pathway to help those without a roof over their heads.

They’ve set up a Giving Tree in their Admin building in Wollongong, and are asking all residents to donate, to help those less fortunate. Donations can also be made at Thirroul and Helensburgh Libraries. 

Council is also accepting donations of toiletries and non-perishables to be distributed by the team from Wollongong Homeless Hub. The toiletries can either be travel size, or larger bottles to be left in the Hub’s showers. 

They’re also taking cash donations at the Council Admin Building. Every $1000 collected means 10 swags, which allow people sleeping rough a better night’s sleep. 

Mayor Gordon Bradbery says about one in 200 people in Australia are homeless on any given night. There are more than 17,800 people under 12 years of age who are homeless and 10,900 people aged between 12 and 18 years who are homeless.

“To help address these awful statistics,” says the Mayor, “I ask all community members to bring in a small donation for the Giving Tree, which is placed in Council’s Customer Service area at the Administration Building , or leave them at your local library. If you are bring in a donation of money you can speak to our Cashier at Customer Service.”

Each swag will provide a small sleeping bag like structure to shelter a person who is sleeping rough. Visit Homelessness Australia for more details.

Homeless Persons Prevention Week runs from 3 to 9 August.

For more information you can contact Council’s