As the holidays are fast approaching, Pathfinders Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) and the Inverell RSM are teaming up to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the Inverell underprivileged community.
The two organisations have launched the Christmas Joy Drive, similar to the one launched by the Pathfinders Armidale Youth Homelessness Support Service in Armidale, to collect gifts for clients of the Pathfinders SHS service and other members of the community who are doing it tough.
A Christmas tree and holiday decorations were set up as donation drop off point at the Inverell RSM on Friday, November 24, and they’ll be accepting donations through December 21st.
Community members are being asked to kindly donate a new or gently used gifts for the Pathfinders SHS team to distribute appropriately to those in need. If you wish to wrap your gift donation, please include a tag describing the contents of the gift so it can be distributed fittingly.
Pathfinders SHS support worker, Ashleigh Taylor, said a simple gift could go a long way in making a difference to those who may not have a home or may not have the resources to traditionally celebrate Christmas.
“On any given night in Australia, 100,000 Australians are homeless. One simple act of generosity can go a long way for the young people who may be homeless or going through a tough time right now, and any gift, big or small, would show them that they are still cared for and are valued members of our community.”
SHS support worker
All donations collected by the Inverell and Glen Innes Homelessness Support Service and the Armidale Youth Homelessness Support Service will be given to those in need to spread some Christmas joy and cheer this holiday season.
Pathfinders SHS is the delivery of specialist homelessness services through the Going Home Staying Home reforms, with an increased focus on early intervention so people access the right support locally, when they need it and before they reach crisis point. Under this new system, people who become homeless will be rehoused as quickly as possible or supported in crisis or transitional accommodation until they can be safely housed or reconnected with family.
