Support for the homeless and needy

Representatives from more than 20 community groups and agencies gathered at the Redcliffe Hockey Fields this week to support the homeless and disadvantaged as part of the annual Reconnect event.

They were there to offer food hampers, clothing, blankets, support, information and free haircuts to people who are struggling due to the housing crisis and increase in the cost of living.

Among them were Encircle, The Breakfast Club, Kyabra, Coast2Bay Housing Group, Services Australia, QuIHN, Footprints Community, The Salvation Army, NDIS, Mercy Connect, Bric Housing, Chameleon Housing, Flourish Australia, Relationships Australia, Intercept Youth and Family Program, It’s Your Right, Moreton Alert, First 5 Forever and RSPCA Queensland.

A free sausage sizzle was also provided by students from Redcliffe State High School.

Speaking to Moreton Daily, Encircle Community Services CEO Chris Staines said the large number of people in attendance proved many are committed to the cause to end homelessness.

“The event is about two things; Firstly, it is about connecting people to services so it’s an opportunity for people who are struggling with homelessness or at risk of homelessness to come and meet some of the agencies that are working in this space across Moreton Bay,” Chris said.

“The second thing is it’s an opportunity for people working in services to come together, talk reconnect with each other, and to learn about what each other is doing and how the services can complement and support people.

Now in its 11^th year, Reconnect is hosted by the Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network.

The event was sponsored by the Redcliffe Hockey Club, Encircle Community Services, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Relationships Australia QLD, The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, Lutheran Services, Costco, Banjo’s Bakery, Absolutelyou Hairstyling, Caboolture Bus Lines, Lawnton Country Markets, Redcliffe PCYC, Deception Bay PCYC, Totally Work Wear Strathpine, Scarborough Physiotherapy, QuIHN and State Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath.

Click through the gallery below to see more photos from the day. 

Reach out if you need help

If you couldn’t attend this year’s Reconnect event, Chris said help is always available to anyone at any time. 

“Any of the agencies that were at Reconnect can be an entry point because we all cooperate with each other and support one another,” Chris said.

“Across the different communities of Moreton Bay there are networks available.

“For example, The Breakfast Club provides hot meals, food hampers, haircuts and connection.

“At Encircle, we provide a wide range of services like counselling, our hub and homeless progress, food distribution, and we even have a rack of clothes for anyone who needs them.

“If you are in need, reach out because there is plenty of help and support between us all.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have houses or apartments available, but we do everything we can to help people through the systems that are available.”

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the following organisations:

The Breakfast Club: 0467 811 380

Encircle Lawnton: 3889 0063

Encircle Redcliffe: 3284 3081

Encircle Kallangur: 3465 3200 

Chameleon Housing: 3284 4805

The Salvation Army: 13 72 58

Bric Housing: 3230 5555

Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

Lifeline: 13 11 14