The coming week always means a lot to the homeless and those connected to missing people.
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It's National Homelessness Week and National Missing Persons Week.
National Homelessness Week
With cold nights and a pandemic that doesn't discriminate, St Vincent De Pauls is on a mission to help people experiencing homelessness.
Southern Highlands regional president for St Vincent de Paul Society Peter Doris said there had been an increase in those seeking accommodation or help with rent.
"We try to get them accommodation but this is extremely difficult in the Highlands as there is no short term facilities," he said.
"We are currently constructing a Bathroom facility at our Moss Vale property exclusively for the homeless."
Mr Doris also said that Vinnies provides people experiencing homelessness with SWAG backpacks which roll in to tents with special inserts and special coats provided by the Knights of Malta which have secure internal pockets for personal items.
The services are provided by dedicated volunteer members at our three conferences.
Due to Covid19 all interaction is by phone.
Moss Vale 0437509449 Bowral 0482678488 Mittagong 0492447968.
"We also have a dedicated Southern Highland Homeless Service in Bowral 02 4428 6230," Mr Doris said.
Anglicare Goulburn consistently helps out the homeless in the region by doing things like giving out food and assisting them to obtain housing.
Reasons for homelessness including domestic violence, unemployment and financial instability.
Anglicare's Goulburn and Yass Homelessness Support Service coordinator Tracey Roberts said COVID-19 and bushfires this year made things worse.
"The need for community support has never been greater," Ms Roberts said.
"Last month we assisted 178 clients in Goulburn alone.
"This is why having the support of people in our community is so encouraging.
"The community should be really proud of the way they are stepping up to make a difference for people who are facing housing stress.
"Having a safe and appropriate place to rest, live and bring up your children should not be an optional extra just for those who can afford it. It's essential for everyone."
Anglicare has received a lot of support to help their cause by receiving food donations from Goulburn First National Real Estate, Dream Admin, Crust Pizza, Tarago CWA, Goulburn Soroptomists and Orana Preschool.
"Seeing the range of people reaching out to help children, volunteers organisations and businesses is really encouraging and needed," Ms Roberts said.
"The Anglicare team are so grateful."
Mission Australia's SE NSW and ACT area manager Daniel Strickland has dealt with many homeless people in the past and said not everyone understood the true lifestyle of the homeless.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that the homeless are those who have it rough," Mr Strickland said.
"There are some who are among us and seem to live normal lives.
"Over the years, we've experienced several times that some living on the streets doesn't want to be found.
"Quite often it's due to the trauma they've experienced in their life."
For more information about Anglicare's services, call 4823 4000.
National Missing Persons Week
The aim of the week is to raise awareness about the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons.
Chief Inspector John Klepczarek from the Hume Police District said that Missing Persons Week is an annual event across Australia.
"It's an important initiative that has had good success," he said.
"What we find is that a lot of people are found within 72 hours but here is still a high number of people listed as missing.
"Some have left home or have disappeared for personal reasons.
"We just want to know they that they are okay. We don't want to know where they are, just that they're okay. They can contact police or crime stoppers and speak anonymously."
Chief Inspector Klepczarek said if anyone has information on a missing persons case, to come forward.
"We're still appealing for information. We leave missing persons cases open in the hope of new information."
Inspector Alison Brennan from the Hume Police District said police never give up on any missing person case.
"We use this period of time to really ramp up on getting the community aware of missing people, particularly those in the long term category," Inspector Brennan said.
"Anyone missing for over three months is classified as a long term missing person.
"The cases stay open and we actively investigate."
People can go to any police station to report a missing person.
Those who have difficulties with coping with a missing person, who's a loved one, can all the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit on 1800 227 772 or go to https://www.missingpersons.justice.nsw.gov.au/
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