A new homelessness and support service will open at Woy Woy’s CWA Hall on Thursday, February 25 from 6pm.
Central Coast Disaster Relief (CCDR) is an organisation that aims to provide support across the community to those in need.
CCDR founder and spokesperson, Carly Pal, said the Gosford service had been seeing a large number of residents, which prompted the Woy Woy launch.
“Last week we had 76 people use our service, which was up from 65 the week prior,” Pal said.
“The growing need in our community has spurred us on to expand our service into Woy Woy.
“There is much embarrassment attached to poverty, and CCDR is helping to remove the stigma sensitively through connection and conversation.”
The Care4Coast outreach program provides hot meals, clothing, food hampers and toiletries to residents who attend the service.
A team of registered nurses also attends each week to provide additional support.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, welcomed the organisation’s decision to expand to Woy Woy as it is “crucial in filling service gaps”.
“Across our community too many people are struggling both financially and emotionally; the impact of COVID-19 has only exacerbated these struggles,” Tesch said.
Tesch encouraged community members to get behind the initiative and get in contact with CCDR via its Facebook page.
The program also operates out of Gosford’s Kibble Park from 6pm each Monday.
Source:
Media release, Feb 18
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch