Back to help region's homeless

Families and individuals sleeping rough or struggling financially can access an array of support services at Reconnect 2025 in Redcliffe next week.

Hosted by Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network, the 12th annual Reconnect is a free event on Thursday, June 12 for those in Moreton Bay.

People experiencing housing distress or homelessness can get information and support from government, non-government, community and private services.

Reconnect 2025 will be held at the Redcliffe Hockey Fields, Mary Nairn Fields, Oxley Ave, from 9am-12.30pm.

Shane Frost, from Encircle Community Services, says anyone who is looking for support is welcome to attend.

“We understand the challenges experienced by our community members due to the cost of living and housing crisis," he said.

"We can help by supporting people to navigate the service systems to link with the appropriate services to meet their individual needs.

“We understand it can be difficult to ask for help and that’s why we operate from a person centred, non-judgmental approach when supporting people.

“There will be over 30 government, non-government, business, community and volunteer organisations from the housing, homelessness, health, family, and emergency relief/dignity services there on the day.

“Each service will be offering free advice, information, resources, and referrals to programs to meet the housing, health, and food relief needs of attendees.

“There will also be free health checks, including vaccines (Flu, COVID, tetanus, whooping cough, shingles, and pneumococcal), as well as free haircuts, food and coffee, clothing, bedding products, toiletries, a free barbecue, music performances plus much more.”

Reconnect is supported by the City of Moreton Bay, Encircle Community Services, The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, Redcliffe Hockey Club and Workforce Australia.

“Supported by the Queensland Government and in response to the challenges faced by so many community members, Encircle has been able to increase its homelessness response across Moreton Bay,” Shane says.

“Encircle’s Homeless Outreach Access Team (HOAP) conducts planned and targeted outreach with the Department of Housing ‘Critical Response Team’, while also conducting its own schedule of homeless outreach responses across locations where homelessness is known or reported.

“Currently the HOAP Team are engaged with 396 client groups (predominantly individuals) and have a further 866 awaiting support, of which 48 per cent are females. These number continue to increase with new referrals received daily.”