Port Waratah supporting those experiencing homelessness in our community

During August, Port Waratah is supporting people experiencing homelessness and support services in the region in two ways – one symbolic and one substantive.

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From last night until Sunday 22nd August, the Port Waratah Carrington Shiploaders will be illuminated in purple light in recognition of National Homelessness Awareness Week and help to raise community awareness.

Port Waratah is also proud to be the principal Event Sponsor of this year’s Hunter Homeless Connect Day partnering with community provider Hunter Homeless Connect Inc. supporting local people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Hunter Homeless Connect Day will be held on Wednesday 21st August at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. It’s an annual event that links vulnerable people to vital services such as accommodation and housing providers, health and wellbeing, legal and financial assistance, employment, study and general support in a caring and dignified environment.

Port Waratah has been supporting the event for the last eight years. Port Waratah CEO, Hennie du Plooy said Port Waratah was pleased to lend its support again to help raise awareness and provide access to services for those in need.

“This is a significant social issue for our community. It’s important to do our part to raise the profile during National Homelessness Awareness Week and contribute to the support of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our city in a meaningful way,” Mr du Plooy said.

“We are proud to partner with Hunter Homeless Connect to ensure this crucial community event is a success and that those in difficult circumstances can easily access services and support they need.

“Our team will be there volunteering on the day cooking a BBQ ensuring no one goes hungry on the day with a steady supply of breakfast and lunch rolls. The team repeatedly remark on the rewarding feeling of being directly involved in giving back to our community.”

Michelle Faithfull, of Home in Place, is the coordinator of Hunter Homeless Connect Day and expects the event to grow to more than 3000 guests this year.

“The need for emergency and social housing has increased significantly over the last few years through the Covid-19 pandemic, cost of living and housing increases, and surges in domestic and family violence,” Ms Faithfull said.

“Homelessness is not just living on the streets. Rough sleeping constitutes around seven per cent of people experiencing homelessness. It also includes people who are living in their cars, couch surfing with friends and family, staying in refuges, boarding houses and insecure and temporary, emergency housing.

“We can never get the whole scale of the issue in our area because many go under the radar. Hunter Homeless Connect Day helps people access all of the services they need under the one roof and provides a unique and very important opportunity for services to collaborate with their support.

“This event can’t happen without the sponsors, like Port Waratah, and the services and volunteers that foster a culture of wellbeing and social connectedness for guests and encouraging a sense of being valued as a member of the community.”