The Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Awareness group are calling for locals to donate gift cards to help the less fortunate members of our community.
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The collected gift cards will be distributed to rough sleepers and people currently without a home during Homelessness Week which runs from August 2 to 8.
New Horizons case worker Tracey Rogerson said gift cards will allow the recipient more control over their purchase.
"Last year we collected toiletries, which are a much-needed item. We received amazing generosity over the past years with the community donating toiletries, sleeping bags and blankets," she said.
"Many services utilise gift cards as part of their welfare processes and it has been evidenced that this allows for choice and control for the person receiving the gift card as well as flexibility in what can be purchased and provided."
The gift cards will be used to source items for people that aren't readily available through other avenues that provide welfare services.
"These items include mobile phones, credit, chargers, medication, fuel, food, clothing, household items, education or items for children and any item that may assist a person to minimise the impact of the situation they are in," Ms Rogerson said.
"Disadvantaged people are not just the people that are sleeping rough or couch surfing but also people and families that are struggling to pay rent as well as buy essential items and a gift card might fill the shortfall."
Every little amount and item can make a huge difference to someone who finds themselves in need of some assistance whether its due to homelessness, financial shortfalls, relationship or family breakdowns.
- Tracey Rogerson
From now until August 2, locals are being encouraged to purchase a gift card and drop it off at one of the participating organisations.
"So far we have received a few donations of gift cards with the initiative only going live this week. We encourage people to continue to donate other items as well, such as blankets and toiletries. Every item makes a difference," Ms Rogerson said.
"The community has been generous in the past and not only during Homelessness Week, but all year round."
The impacts of the current housing crisis has meant more people are at risk of becoming homeless.
"Homelessness can affect anyone no matter of age, gender or income as has been evidenced during the current rental crisis that is impacting the local community at present.
"This incentive allows for the stigma and portrayed image of homelessness to be seen for what it is in the current environment we find ourselves in.
"Every little amount and item can make a huge difference to someone who finds themselves in need of some assistance whether its due to homelessness, financial shortfalls, relationship or family breakdowns."
The gift cards can be donated to the following locations:
- Port Macquarie Lifeline Shop, Gordon Street
- Port Macquarie Lifeline Shop, Central Road
- Wauchope Lifeline Shop, Cameron Street
- Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre, Dodds Street
- New Horizons, Gordon Street Port Macquarie
"The cards will be handed out during Homelessness Week and will include a travelling road show attending the Neighbourhood Centres in Wauchope, Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie," Ms Rogerson said.
"Any cards that are not distributed during the event will be divided between the participating services to be distributed as needed."
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