Anglicare Victoria is running a sleeping bag donation drive throughout July to assist people experiencing homelessness during winter. Lauren Kindred and Mel O'Grady are asking people to help out and donate.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Anglicare Victoria is calling on the community to donate sleeping bags throughout July to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.
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New unisex sleeping bags can be dropped off at Anglicare Victoria's Echuca of Bendigo offices, with all donations going towards the organisation's homelessness programs.
Anglicare Victoria homeless team case manager Lauren Kindred said the drive was born out of a growing need.
“We came up with the idea of the sleeping bag drive because we are having a hard time within the community with affordable housing,” she said.
“We have had an increase from 300 open support periods last year, to this financial year we have 400.”
Mrs Kindred said the impact of a simple donation should not be underestimated.
“Especially coming into winter, it is incredibly cold out there,” she said.
“There are not many places you can get warm and something as simple as being able to support someone with a sleeping bag can really change the game for those people.”
The drive has already received 30 sleeping bags.
“To be honest, we are very, very grateful for these donations,” Mrs Kindred said.
She also acknowledged the support of local partners.
“We would like to thank Jayden Howe and the Committee for Echuca Moama; they have been very supportive of our program and helped us promote that.”
Mrs Kindred encouraged people to look beyond a single initiative.
“I think if people look out to their community and look at all the services that are around and what support that they might be requesting at that time, I think that's the best way that the whole community can support a network of services,” she said.
Lauren Kindred and Mel O'Grady with some of the donated sleeping bags.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Anglicare Victoria homelessness services team leader Stuart Wallbank said the drive served a dual purpose.
“It is one, to boost our pool of resources and provide that support during winter, but it also raises awareness around some of the challenges that people face in winter, particularly rough sleepers, and the increased impact on chronic illness, keeping their belongings dry, and the impact on their physical and mental health as well,” he said.
Mr Wallbank said rough sleepers represent between 15 and 20 per cent of people accessing the service, with many others living in vehicles, caravans or long-term motels.
“People living in long-term motels ... and rooming houses have definitely become more prevalent over the last five years,” he said.
He said the community response had been encouraging.
“I think in Echuca, particularly, the Campaspe Shire community members have really stepped up in supporting people who are in difficult circumstances and I think that is something the community should be proud of,” Mr Wallbank said.
“People don't choose to be in those situations, and unfortunately, there's a whole range of life factors that have led them to that position.
“And I think people are becoming a bit more aware of the challenges and just how easy it is sometimes for people to fall into those situations or to slip into that space.”
Those seeking support can visit Anglicare Victoria in High St, Echuca.
Sleeping bag donations are being accepted throughout July at the Anglicare Victoria Echuca office at 486 High St, Echuca.
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