The Whalers Peninsula Community Association is asking for donations of tents and swags for homeless Southern Fleurieu residents.

They say they have completely run out following heavy demand for their services this winter.

In a recent Facebook post organisers wrote, “This winter has seen a big increase in people needing help.”

“We have people doing it tough because of COVID, domestic violence cases and the homeless.”

“We were the only not-for-profit organisation in the Fleurieu that stayed opened for the community for help during the COVID lock-downs.

“Whalers have run out of tents, swags that we provide to the homeless and our pantry shelves are running very, very low making it challenging to provide food parcels to those in need.

“The recent case of a guy needing a place to stay; we managed to arrange to have him stay at a caravan park, gave him a food parcel to get by and, fortunately, we managed to find someone who donated their tent, that they were looking at giving away, as we had none to give him.

“Any donations of tent, swags and non-perishable food are greatly appreciated.

“Monetary donations are also accepted and any amount over $2 are tax deductible.”

As previously reported by The Fleurieu App, the rate of homelessness on the Fleurieu community has thought to have doubled over the past year.

The number of properties available to rent on the Fleurieu remains very low with estate agents receiving dozens of applications from prospective tenants.  

A search of realestate.com.au today showed just one vacant rental property in Goolwa, one in Middleton, and none in Port Elliot.    

Only seven properties were listed in the Victor Harbor area; two of which were small studio apartments offered for $200 per week.

If you have a tent, swag or food you would like to donate you can contact Whalers via their Facebook page or phone them on 8555 2800.