Coast Connect Day, on Thursday August 7, will be held at the Niagara Park Stadium.
Coast Connect Day’s aim is to connect with those finding it tough at the moment, the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the Central Coast community. This focused community event is a day which brings together all of those agencies and services who can offer assistance under one roof. Over 60 government and non-government services/ agencies and armies volunteers will come together for one day, to assist as many as possible.
Those needing assistance will have access to services that may help them along the path to maintain their tenancies and even to end their homelessness. Coast Shelter executive officer Mr Laurie Maher said: “Coast Connect Day is not only about linking people who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless with valuable resources and services; it’s also about creating awareness within the greater community.” Coast Connect Day allows the whole community to come together and get connected.
It is about helping to provide essential resources and services to those who need it most. Free travel passes are available from the Coast Community Centre, Mary Macs, Housing NSW and Centrelink offices. Practical assistance, which is sometimes taken for granted, will also be available on the day including housing and employment assistance, health and dental checks, clothing, legal services, accommodation and educational services.
Haircuts and a little pampering, along with food and beverages, will all be provided free of charge. Coast Connect Day chairperson Mr Bob Thomas said: “Homelessness is a growing concern on the Central Coast and numbers will continue to rise if we don’t address the issues that these people face on a day to day basis.” “We can move mountains when we all work together to achieve a common goal. “Coast Connect day will break down barriers that prevent people from moving forward and provide practical services and responses that will make a real difference.”
Media release, 5 Jun 2014
Jade Smith,
Coast Shelter