Homeless Connect
What is Homeless Connect?
Video and photos
How can you help?
Service Provider information
What is Homeless Connect?
Homeless Connect Perth is based on a one-stop-shop model of service provision to homeless people. It was developed in San Francisco in 2004 and is now being held in over 130 cities in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia. Brisbane City Council piloted Homeless Connect in November 2006 for the first time in Australia.
Homeless Connect Perth brings together Council, state government, federal government, businesses and community groups to provide free services to homeless people for a day. The City of Perth in partnership with Volunteering WA held the first Homeless Connect event in Perth in 2008. This years event took place on Wednesday 25 November 2009 at the Citiplace Community Centre, Perth.
The goal is to facilitate access to a range of services that ultimately will assist people who are disadvantaged to find new pathways and connections. The Homeless Connect project breaks the myth that people do not seek assistance and services and would simply prefer to be on the street. Evidence from past experiences proves that people are eager to move towards self-sufficiency when approached in a respectful and kind manner, and with available resources – that is what Homeless Connect is about – immediacy, hospitality and connection.
Videos
The following videos will give you a flavour of what Homeless Connect is about.
You can also download our 2009 Facts & Stats sheet to see what happened on the day.
Photos
Take a look at some of the photos from Homeless Connect Perth 2009 by clicking here.
How can you help?
Volunteers perform crucial roles on the day, including assisting guests to navigate the venue and services, serving food and drinks and assisting the service providers. The connection between volunteers and guests is critical to the success of the day.
Feedback from a 2009 volunteer - "One of the green team of people said every time I have seen you, you have been upbeat and smiling, that was because everyone I came in contact with - organisers, volunteers and guests was upbeat and smiling, thanks for the opportunity. Try and stop me, I am DEFINITELY COMING BACK!!!!!!!!!"
Donations/Goods
We require donations of all sorts in the run up to the event –
- Clothes (new and good second hand)– ladies, men, children, babies
- Toys
- Shoes (In good condition)
- Underwear and socks (NEW only)
- Books (paperbacks preferred)
- Toiletries – liquid soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, hair brushes, combs
- Non-perishable food – tinned food, cereals, biscuits, canned soup, soup packets
- Linen
- Bags, hats and accessories
More information on donations will be posted in the run up to the next event but please keep these items in mind throughout the year. We are unable to accept physical donations until closer to the event but financial donations can be made throughout the year
here.
Service Provider information
Volunteering WA like to facilitate access to a range of services that ultimately will assist people who are disadvantaged to find new pathways and connections. The range of services we like to be available on the day include:
- Accommodation assistance
- Support and counselling
- Legal advice
- Employment options
- Free health check-ups (GP’s, Podiatrists and Ophthalmologists)
- Massage & natural therapy treatments
- Food & beverages
- Personal hygiene assistance (haircuts, showers and clothing)
- Youth
- Indigenous
- Identification
- Budget / financial counselling
- Podiatry
- Employment / training services
With thanks to designer John Ilian: 