On any night, 122,494 people in Australia are homeless (ABS Census 2021). Shockingly, one in seven of these people are children under 12 and almost one in four are young people between 12 and 24 (ABS Census 2021). Even though the Northern Rivers region only has 4% of NSW’s population, it has 20% of NSW’s rough sleepers. This shows how important it is to raise awareness and ensure we are supporting the homeless population.
As temperatures drop to single digits across most of Australia’s east coast, our homeless population urgently needs warmth. While some homeless people find shelter in crisis and temporary accommodations during the cold months, many cannot access these resources and there aren’t enough to go around.
How can we assist?
Thankfully, there are ways we can provide support. Donations to programs supporting the homeless can provide housing, food and other support to those in need. If you can’t donate money, consider volunteering at soup kitchens, community grocers, homeless shelters or opportunity shops. Homeless shelters always need warm clothing and care packages with cold-weather essentials.
Even small actions can make a big difference. Offering a warm jacket or blanket to someone you see sleeping rough can mean the world to them. To ensure these items are available to those in need, Momentum Collective started the Kindness Wall in 2022, where community members can donate jackets and blankets. With so much clothing ending up in landfill each year, this initiative keeps the homeless warm and also benefits the environment. A positive outcome for all.
A warm jacket can prevent hypothermia and offer comfort, dignity and a reminder to those in need that they are not forgotten. Momentum Collective is proud to have Kindness Walls at both Tweed Heads office and the Neighbourhood Centre in Casino. We welcome any donations of winter warmers that can make a positive impact on the life of someone sleeping rough this Winter.
In the Tweed Heads area, clothing donations can also be made to Momentum Collectives Recyclers Op Shop.
Together, we can make a difference. Your kindness and support can ensure that nobody must face the cold alone.
If you are experiencing homelessness, find more information on our Specialist Homelessness Services page or call 1300 900 091 to talk with our friendly team.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pay respect to Ancestors, Elders both past, present and the emerging Jarjums.
