Time has come to address escalating need for crisis accommodation in the Camden Haven, according to Camden Haven Community at 3

The non-profit group has worked with more than 116 individuals in need of crisis or short-term housing throughout this year alongside government and non-government organisations.

A public meeting to discuss the ongoing issue of crisis accommodation will be held at the Laurieton United Serviced Club from 4pm to 5.30pm on Thursday, December 2.

CH3 community care team member Brian Giles-Browne said support groups are struggling to find placements through traditional methods such as shelters, estate agencies and existing group style homes.

"We believe the time has come to address this dire situation by purchasing an accommodation property in the Camden Haven that will be used to provide short-term and crisis housing to address the needs of our community," he said.

"To begin this process we have called a public meeting of caring, interested, involved and motivated people to 'think tank' the work needed to move the project into a reality.

"Every community member, resident or employee in our community has a role to play. Building our community into a stronger, more supportive and inclusive entity relies on each of us to help with the heavy lifting.

"We would appreciate not only your attendance at the 'think tank' but also your energetic support in spreading the word through your friendship groups, your neighbours, your colleagues, your families and wider networks. The reality is that any one of us could end up in need of housing assistance in the future."

Data gathered by the Camden Haven Community at 3 does not include individuals who are couch surfing and living in vehicles, camping out in state forests and linked to similar organisations, according to Mr Giles-Browne

"The numbers are even more frightening when you understand that 36 children are included in our figures of 116 people helped," he said.

"In the Camden Haven a further 30 individuals approached Camden Haven Community at 3 for assistance in one week ending on Friday, October 29. The situation has become totally unacceptable."

Please contact Brian Giles-Browne on 0439 569 992 or Theo Hazelgrove on 0419 370 076 for further information or to confirm attendance to the meeting

The event is proudly supported by Laurieton United Services Club and Kew Corner Store.