Free shower and laundry services to launch at Encircle Kallangur
Moreton Bay locals who are homeless, sleeping rough, or struggling to pay the bills will soon be able to freshen up at Encircle Kallangur, with the neighbourhood centre set to provide free shower and laundry facilities from next week.
These essential services will commence at the centre on August 5, which coincides with Homelessness Week (August 5-11).
Encircle’s Acting Neighbourhood Coordinator Alexandra Stowers says this is another way they can provide dignity and support to people in need.
“Offering shower and laundry services at Encircle Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre is something we are incredibly enthusiastic about - it's a vital step in supporting members of our community who are experiencing homelessness or are in need,” Alexandra says.
“We will have one shower, one washing machine, and one dryer available for use from August 5.
“Providing these services aligns with our mission to ensure dignity and practical support for all individuals in our community.
“Encircle Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre is here to help everyone, especially during Homelessness Week.
“If you or someone you know needs access to free showers and washing machines, please come by during our operating hours.
“Our team provides a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can access these essential services with dignity and respect.”
The new services will be available weekly as per the schedule below:
- Showers: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-1pm and Thursday from 12.30pm-2.30pm.
- Laundry: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10.30am-2.30pm.
“To ensure fair access, Encircle will implement a roster system for usage,” Alexandra explains.
“In order to access the services, people should call the centre on 3465 3200 and speak to reception who will book them in.”
Shower and laundry facilities are also available at other Encircle Neighbourhood Centres across the region.
“Encircle Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre at Lawnton offers a free laundry service every Monday to Friday from 9.30am-2pm, and free showers every Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am-2pm,” Alexandra says.
“As per Kallangur, bookings can be made by contacting the centre directly.
“Additionally, in partnership with the SUSO bus, we provide similar services at the Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am-11am.”
Access to computer kiosks
In addition to launching the free showers and laundry, Encircle Kallangur will also provide access to two self-service computer kiosks from August 5, which allow people to access other vital services on the internet.
People will be able to book in for a one-hour session, with the same roster system in operation.
The two self-service computer kiosks will be available on:
- Monday to Friday from 10am-1pm.
Encircle Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre is located at 51 Marsden Rd, Kallangur.
Homelessness Week explained
Homelessness Week is held annually to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.
It is hosted by Homelessness Australia, which is the national peak body for homelessness in Australia.
They provide systemic advocacy for the homelessness sector, and work with a large network of organisations to provide a unified voice when it comes to preventing and responding to homelessness.
The theme for this year’s event is “Homelessness Action Now”.
According to Homelessness Australia’s 2023 fact sheet, based on results from the ABS Census 2021:
- On any given night, 122,494 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness.
- One in seven people experiencing homelessness are children under 12.
- 23 percent of people experiencing homelessness (almost one in four) are children and young people between 12 and 24.
- One in five people experiencing homelessness are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Homelessness is not "rooflessness". Only 6.2 percent of people without a home are sleeping rough. The majority of homelessness is hidden – people in crisis accommodation, rooming houses, insecure housing, overcrowded dwellings, or couch surfing.