Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is urging Brisbane organisations and residents to donate to next month’s Homeless Connect event.
Cr Schrinner said Council’s long-running Homeless Connect events are critically important to helping at-risk residents access the services and support they need.
“Brisbane is a city with a big heart and that’s been proven time and again since our Council held the first Homeless Connect event in 2006,” he said
“More than 20,000 people have been helped over that time and now more than ever we need donations from local organisations and residents.
“Whether its basic necessities like food, access to medical professions or simply getting a haircut, Homeless Connect helps our community’s most vulnerable residents.
“That’s why I am asking people to dig deep and do what they can to help out those people being forced to live on the street or in tents and cars because of the current housing crisis.”
Homeless Connect will be held on Friday 3 November at the Brisbane Showgrounds and follows the previous event in May.
“More than 800 people attended the event at the Brisbane Showgrounds in May, exceeding last year’s total,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There were more than 1900 meals, 317 health consultations, 26 pallets of food, 15 pallets of clothes and 5 pallets of shoes given to those in need.
“There were also 200 haircuts undertaken and 2200 bags of food and toiletries handed out.
“The success of this event comes down to the donation of time from local organisations and volunteers, as well as the donations from our communities who are looking to give back to those in need.
“While we know people across the city are dealing with the rising cost of living, even a small donation can make a big difference to Brisbane families doing it tough.”
Those looking to make a donation have until Friday October 20 to drop off items to their local Council library or ward office.
A full list of items being accepted can be found on the Council website.
In addition to Homeless Connect, Council has also committed $3 million towards the three-year Pathways out of Homelessness program.
For further details, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Homelessness’.
