The Armidale Youth Refuge is taking the lead during Homelessness Prevention Week.
The refuge is part of Pathfinders Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) including the Inverell Women’s Refuge and outreach services based in Inverell and Glen Innes.
Manager of Pathfinders SHS, Trish Thomas said, “Pathfinders is working together with other Armidale SHS services to raise community awareness and understanding of homelessness in our community. We recognise the individuals and groups who help those experiencing or who at risk of homelessness and we will come together to celebrate the resilience of people who experience homelessness.”
Homelessness Prevention Week runs from 3-9 August and the Armidale Youth Refuge will hold a community event at the Refuge on Tuesday, 4th August from 10am. The theme for the national event is STEP UP to end homelessness and the Refuge will provide an opportunity to share step up ideas in a fun filled day of activities including Hip Hop, Graffiti Art workshops and entertainment from Pathfinders talented staff. There is also a BBQ lunch and free giveaways on the day.
On any given night in Australia, 1 in 200 people are homeless. There are currently 105,237 people in Australia who are homeless. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate.
“Our SHS programs provide an increased focus on early intervention so people access the right support locally, when they need it and before they reach crisis point. 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, said Trish Thomas.
Events in Armidale, Inverell and Glen Innes are scheduled for the week.
Armidale: Tuesday, 4th August 10am, Armidale Youth Refuge, 174a Allingham Street, Armidale.
Inverell: Wednesday, 5th August 11am, Campbell Park, Campbell Street, Inverell.
Glen Innes: Thursday, 6th August 11am, Anzac Park, East Avenue, Glen Innes.
