Dignity First helps Gold Coast needy find support

Gold Coast homelessness services are set to receive a $129,000 funding boost with two community projects announced as successful recipients of the Palaszczuk Government’s Dignity First Fund.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said HAVAFEED Community Relief  and the Gold Coast Homelessness Network had developed separate projects to assist people experiencing homelessness on the Gold Coast.

“HAVAFEED does some fantastic work on the Gold Coast providing meals to people who need it,” Mr de Brenni said.

"Demand for their services is increasing, so $63,001 in Dignity First funding will go toward reconfiguring the space they use in the Mermaid Beach Community Centre.

"This will mean additional space to provide meals in a warm, friendly environment, better storage and access, as well as support the continued provision of other essential wrap around care and advice services.”

Another successful recipient is the Gold Coast Homelessness Network, which has been awarded $66,000 for a project that will help people find free or low cost meals and access other homelessness support services.

Liz Fritz, Patron of the Gold Coast Homelessness Network said the organisation is developing the 7 Care Connect Navigation tool, a mobile phone app that will provide real-time information on Gold Coast homelessness support service locations and availability.

“The app will feature push notifications and maps, and is expected to be in trials early this year,” Ms Fritz said.

“Providing essential services is one part of the equation – but people also have to be able to find the services they need.”

Mr de Brenni said the Dignity First Fund was designed to encourage innovative, non-traditional ideas to help people experiencing homelessness through the hard times.

“These projects are two of 24 projects from 66 organisations that made successful applications for support to the Dignity First Fund.

“Homelessness is a complex issue which requires a sophisticated response.

“But while we work toward longer term solutions, there are many wonderful community organisations like Hav’a’Feed and the Gold Coast Homelessness Network who are helping people to live with dignity,” said Mr de Brenni.

“Everyone has the right to live with dignity irrespective of the situation they may find themselves in.

“It is also an opportunity for us to show these vulnerable members of our community that they have not been forgotten and that we are working to help them out of this situation.”

[ENDS] January, 2017

Media contacts: 

HAVAFEED 0423 694 247

Gold Coast Homelessness Network 07 5572 0400