She says the second Link Housing Home Sweet Charity Sleepover is a way for everyone to show that, as a community, we can make a difference by supporting those most vulnerable in our community.
“Whether sleeping on streets, in cars, on couches or public transport, ‘homelessness’ is an insidious issue,” Annabelle says.
“However, many problems leading to homelessness can be solved through specialist accommodation, support services and funding to give those at risk opportunity, through education or activities, to improve their lives.
“I have worked in the homelessness field for 10 years and the problem is growing at a rapid rate; if you needed a safe bed tonight in NSW, you would have less than a 25 per cent chance of finding one so we definitely need more support and I would dearly welcome the local community getting behind my push to raise more funds.”
The latest national Census data reveals that in the five years to 2016, the number of homeless people in NSW alone increased by 37 per cent. On any given night in Australia, 27,680 young people aged 12-24 are homeless and new research also points to older women as being the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness.
Support this initiative by making a donation, sponsoring a team or becoming a “sleepee” for the night at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club this Friday.
To donate to the local Women’s Community Shelter, select ‘Annabelle Daniel’ on the Link Housing Home Sweet 2019 website.
Sleepover to help homeless
STANMORE’S Annabelle Daniel, CEO of Women’s Community Shelter, will join business leaders and locals this Friday, September 20, to raise awareness and funds for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.