newy.com.au – People experiencing homelessness in Newcastle will have improved access to food, support and necessities after Reach Homeless Services secured a permanent base at The Salvation Army’s Community Centre in Hamilton.
The Cleary Street centre is now a dedicated home for Reach, whose volunteers set up every morning and on Friday evenings to provide food, connection and essential items to people in need.
The arrangement follows 12 years in which Reach operated from various public locations around Hamilton, including James Street Plaza and Hamilton Station Park. The service now has access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs, giving visitors an indoor space and allowing volunteers to prepare emergency food and hygiene kits, as well as breakfast packs.
City of Newcastle supported the move by providing specialist planning advice to The Salvation Army as part of the development application for the new arrangement. Councillor Jenny Barrie, who helped coordinate the initial meetings between Reach and The Salvation Army, said the service would better meet community needs.
“As a Council, we’ve committed to reviewing free food supply services in Hamilton to better meet the needs of the community,” Cr Barrie said.
“Addressing food insecurity in a permanent, indoor location provides advantages over public spaces, including kitchen facilities and refrigeration.
“Open-air food distribution is highly visible and can deter people from accessing aid due to social stigma.
“Sadly, food insecurity affects one in three households across NSW. This is a positive collaboration that will deliver real benefits for people in need in Newcastle.”
Reach Homeless Services executive director Gary Parsisson said the cost-of-living crisis had increased pressure on people already doing it tough.
“We help a wide range of people who could be experiencing homelessness, drugs and alcohol struggles, mental health issues, domestic violence, financial hardship or loneliness,” Mr Parsisson said.
“Having a permanent, secure location ensures we can operate in any type of weather, allowing people who might be suffering from a sense of isolation to make some much-needed connections.
“Our friends now have the chance to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee on a cold morning, share a Friday night meal under a roof, and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified.
“We’re very grateful to be able to collaborate with City of Newcastle and the Salvation Army to provide this service.”
Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett said the partnership added to the existing support provided through the Cleary Street centre.
“We aim to serve the wider community of Newcastle, meeting needs as they arise without judgment or discrimination,” Major Bennett said.
“Our community involvement includes a range of activities that care for people such as our Emergency Relief service, community meals, homeless packs, shower facilities and much more.
“Collaborating with Reach complements the other services we host in Cleary St including Street Side Medics and Orange Sky.
“We’re proud to partner with Reach as we fight the severe cost-of-living and food insecurity crisis impacting the region.”
City of Newcastle said it remained committed to working with local support services, businesses, residents and NSW Police to support a safer and more welcoming environment in Hamilton.
