The first week of August is Homelessness week and several south coast organisations will raise awareness and funds to help combat the problem.

Led by Lisa Jamieson from the Boulevard Café, Business Victor Harbor will run a Winter Warmer Fundraiser on Friday 30 July.

There will be raffles and an auction, with all proceeds going to help homeless people on the Fleurieu. 

Guest speakers from Junction Housing, Whalers Goolwa and the Fleurieu Community Foundation will talk about the support they provide for homeless people in the local community.

Event organiser Lisa Jamieson says homelessness on the Fleurieu has almost doubled in the past 12 months.

She has arranged for a pantry drive alongside the fundraiser, with everyone asked to provide a grocery item.

Whalers have provided a shopping list and anyone who can’t attend the fundraiser but would like to help can drop off pantry items.

Collection points are at South Coast Realty, in Ocean Street; Bendigo Bank, on Hindmarsh Road, or the Boulevard Café in Encounter Bay.

According to Homelessness Australia, being homeless can mean more than not having a roof over your head and is not just one typical experience.

The experience of homelessness can be defined in many different ways and stretches across many cohorts of people, including people living in crisis accommodation, rough sleeping or those in temporary housing. 

The Fleurieu Community Foundation will hold a stall at the Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market on 31 July and 7 August to coincide with Homelessness Week.

Tickets for the Winter Warmer fundraiser cost $35, which includes a 3-course meal and live music. 

The event will be held at the Roos Club at the Victor Harbor RSL & Football Club from 6pm. Book via Eventbrite.

Image by Q K from Pixabay