AU – Helping Homeless in Young, NSW

When most people think of the problem of homelessness, they automatically think of people sleeping in parks or under bridges in the middle of big cities. However this problem is not only in big cities, it is a serious issue in small rural towns as well – towns like Young, over 350km from Sydney, New South Wales.

Young Crisis Accommodation Centre Inc. was established in 1989. Originally set up to provide safe and secure accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence and homelessness, today the centre has evolved into a multi-purpose service offering support for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.

The Centre provides assistance to young people, women, men, individuals and families in the Young, Boorowa, Harden, Cootamundra and Temora areas. The beneficiaries of the Young Crisis Accommodation Centre also include clients who have multiple issues such as drug and alcohol, mental health and physical health problems, and disabilities.

On Wednesday 3rd August Young Crisis Accommodation held an Awareness Day and barbecue in Boorowa St, the main street of Young, to promote an understanding of the excellent work they are doing in providing for those unfortunate enough to be in need of their services, and to promote awareness about homelessness in the community.

They approached the Young RRT group and asked them to provide a barbecue meal for the day – the RRT was very pleased to be able to support such an inspiring organisation in their efforts to make life better for all those who need support and encouragement to get through.

Free breakfast was very much appreciated

 

The cooking is underway

Young Crisis Accommodation Centre Case Worker Joanne Farley said they were very pleased with how the event went. “It was a fantastic lunch which was well supported by the community,” Joanne said. “To have more than 70 people attend was great. It was especially good to see other services show their support and highlight that we are all working together. The Rapid Relief Team did a superb job on the barbecue, cooking more than 70 burgers. It was a real benefit to have their help. Homelessness is something we must all work together to try and eradicate. With this level of support, we will definitely be looking to hold another event next year,” she said.

RRT in Young enjoyed the chance to interact with the wider community through the event Homeless in smaller towns run the risk of being forgotten, but 70 people received a free meal on August 3rd, 2016!