MALLEE Family Care (MFC) will be hosting an event to mark Homelessness Week next week, to give people and idea of the support services available.
Chief executive officer Teresa Jayet said with the costs of living expected to climb over coming months, raising community awareness and understanding about homelessness was more important than ever.
She said MFC was increasingly being sought out by people in financial crisis and that it is important for everyone to know what support services are available.
“Across the region, we are seeing mortgage rates climb, which is impacting homeowners, struggling to make ends meet, and investors, who are passing on the rise to their tenants, through rental increases,” Ms Jayet said.
“There is a very real concern that we are going to witness a wave of newly-vulnerable people who are no longer able to keep a safe and secure roof over their heads.”
The August 2 homelessness event will be held at St Mary’s Parish in Splatt Street, Swan Hill, offering both an afternoon (1pm-4pm) and evening session (5.45pm-8.30pm).
Along with providing attendees with an opportunity to ask questions, connect with support and access resources, Janet Dale, from Mallee Family Care’s specialist homelessness services and Trevor Brown, a member of the peer education support program with the Council to Homeless Persons, will deliver special presentations.
“This event offers community a valuable opportunity to explore the complexities around homelessness and the things we can do to support people in crisis. I would encourage those working in the support and allied services sector, community service students, along with anyone in the broader community, to register to attend,” Ms Jayet said.
For more information or to register, call MFC’s Swan Hill office on 5032 4479.
