Providing support and dignity for the less fortunate

Families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing stress will have the opportunity to seek help and access an array of support services at the upcoming Reconnect event next month.

Held on Thursday, June 1 at the Redcliffe Hockey Fields, this free event will be a “one stop shop” for people needing to access information from government, non-government, community and private services.

Attendees will be able to have a hot breakfast, which will be served from 8am, as well as receive free health checks, haircuts, blankets, food hampers and more before the event wraps up at 12.30pm.

Food and drink will also be provided throughout the day.

Since the first event in 2012, Reconnect has helped thousands of people who find themselves homeless, sleeping rough or just need a helping hand.

With more people feeling the pinch this year, Encircle Community Services CEO says more needs to be done to help those who are less fortunate.

“Encircle has been supporting Reconnect for 11 years and we’ve never seen the homelessness and housing situation so dire in the Moreton Bay Region,” Chris said.

“We’re supporting this year’s event because we see this as one way we can be part of the response for people who are homeless or have insecure housing.

“Together with our Reconnect partners we’re standing with these neighbours of ours, doing what we can to support them and sharing their frustrations and anxiety.

“It is clear that more urgent action is needed at all levels of our community to resolve this crisis.”

The event is hosted by the Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network.

Major sponsors of Reconnect include Encircle Community Services, Moreton Bay Regional Council, The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, Redcliffe Hockey Club, QuIHN and Relationships Australia Queensland.

For more information about the day, click here.

More people reaching out for help

Since last year’s Reconnect event, Encircle has seen an increase in the number of people reaching out for help, especially those struggling with the cost of living increases and rental shortages impacting the region.

The Encircle team have supported 363 families and individuals, including 46 who identify as First Nations, with housing assistance and to sustain their tenancies.

Encircle has also helped a further 313 people, including 52 identifying as First Nations, with homelessness support services, and to find accommodation or housing.

Donate goods to the less fortunate

In the lead up to this year’s event, organisers are asking the community to donate food and blankets to hand out to people which will help them during the colder month.

Schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, churches and even groups of friends are being encouraged to collect and donate warm blankets and non-perishable food which will be given to people who attend the Reconnect event.

Donated goods can be dropped off at Encircle Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, May 29 between 9am and 3pm only.

Encircle Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre is located at 1 Lamington Drive Redcliffe.

Put your hand up to volunteer

If you are interested in other ways to help on the day, such as volunteering your time or service, send an email to the Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network at [email protected]