Exciting news! Flourish Australia have been given a NSW Building Grant for a laundry service to meet the everyday needs of people who experiencing homelessness in Broken Hill.
We’re grateful to the local Lions Club who donated Speed Queen industrial washing machines and dryers, valued at around $8,000 each, to help us get this off the ground. Speed Queen in Queensland covered transport costs and the NSW Government funded $15,000 toward the build.
A big launch day will be held to thank everyone who contributed and the local MP will be invited, in appreciation of the support of NSW Parliament toward this vital project for the Broken Hill community.
Another convenience Flourish Australia provide for the homeless is access to lockers where they can safely store their possessions. The on-street lockers are mostly used by people who have travelled from a long way away by train and have nowhere to sleep. This can be a helpful asset while they are seeking secure accommodation.
Some people simply want somewhere to leave their stuff while they visit the local GP or Centrelink and the lockers are proving to be a great touchpoint for directing people to services like SecondBite Food Bank, local churches and homelessness specialist services, or St Vincent De Paul soup kitchen, where they can enjoy a $2 meal.
Our HASI program can assist those in need of housing with finding a suitable place to live. This service is more crucial than ever before because demand for affordable accommodation is far greater than available supply and rental prices continue to rise. It can be particularly tricky for a teenager living on the streets to secure a stable place to stay when they don’t have a job or credit history. Whatever their situation, we’ll connect with the person several times each week to help them develop their living skills while we search for what they want, and advocate for them as tenants once they find a home of their own.
Flourish Australia also partner with Share The Dignity who provide menstrual products free of charge to women experiencing period poverty.
It’s important to remember that an increasing number of people are finding themselves homeless through no fault of their own. Even someone with a lovely home and car may suffer unforeseen hardship and lose it all. Experiencing a mental health issue makes it more challenging which is where Flourish Australia comes in, to do whatever we can to support the person to get back on their feet and thrive in their life.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
