The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed a 37 per cent increase in homelessness rates across New South Wales, and Highlanders have made an effort to assist the homeless in the region.
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On March 14, the Highlands Business Circle donated four backpacks for the homeless to St Vincent de Paul’s Southern Highlands Homelessness Services.
These backpacks act as shelter for the homeless. They fold out into a swag and are not only light to carry, but also waterproof.
Business circle secretary Garry Ponder said one of the main aims of the group was to support the people and charities in the region.
“We have a homelessness problem in the Southern Highlands,” Mr Ponder said.
“The BackPack Beds for Homeless is an international award winning design that provides a safe, weatherproof, dignified and portable sleeping arrangement for people sleeping rough.
“We are proud to be able to support the Southern Highlands Homeless Support service in this way.”
Mr Ponder said the need was identified after speaking with St Vincent de Paul.
“People don’t know about the homeless issue in the Highlands and we wanted to do what we could to make a difference,” he said.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO Jack de Groot said the most vulnerable people in the state deserved the right to a home.
“We can see that the increase in homelessness rates are being pushed by a 74 per cent increase in overcrowding – this is a direct result of the lack of safe and affordable housing across our cities and towns.”
The ABS statistics showed that 74,000 people were supported by homelessness services in NSW in 2016/17, a 43 per cent increase since 2013/14, and that the rates of homelessness for young people aged 19-24 increased by 92 per cent, and for older people by 24 per cent.
“It is unacceptable that we continue on as normal when we know that more and more of our young people and far too many elderly women are falling into homelessness at rates never seen before – this should not be the type of norm that we accept.”
The Highlands Business Circle is a group of local business owners who work together to provide services to the Southern Highlands in a variety of fields.
One of the main aims of the group is to support locally based charities that assist local residents in need.
The group has supported the Youth Refuge, CanAssist, Daffodil Day, White Ribbon Day, Cancer Research and provided assistance packages for Women and Families in Crisis.
For more information about our group or to enquire about joining contact Garry Ponder on 4861 5989.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
