Project Name: HopeStreet
Agency: HopeStreet – Urban Compassion
Country: Australia – Inner City Sydney
Tax Status: Tax Deductible
Target: $35,600.00
RAISED: $36,378.80
PROJECT UPDATES:
Click here to read the project update on the Homeless Community Corner.
Click here for an update on The Terrace
This project aims to work with the homeless community in the Darlinghurst and Wooloomooloo areas; providing opportunities for shifting unfortunate life circumstances into healthy and balanced life choices. HopeStreet aims to develop a sense of belonging through community, and by building strong and meaningful relationships via 3 funded projects including:
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The Terrace – semi-supported accommodation service which provides community living and life-skills training for 6 homeless men for up to 18 months;
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Homeless Community Connector – this outreach worker meets with the local rough sleepers and other homeless to advocate on their behalf, to ensure they have access to other service providers, and to facilitate communication between the homeless and the wider community (in particular the residents in Woolloomooloo);
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Homeless Art Exhibition– features artworks created by local men and women who are either homeless or marginalised. This year’s theme is ‘Peace in Uncertain Times’
In addition, social events provide opportunities for community members to interact with volunteers from HopeStreet and its supporters. Gymea Baptist members are welcome to volunteer or spend time with HopeStreet in a variety of capacities including the communal meal at The Terrace, the Sunday Morning Street Breakfast, and the Art Exhibition in June. Alongside these events is the opportunity to visit the inner city for an 'urban orientation' which will introduce many of the issues of the urban environment and how HopeStreet is seeking to respond.
Outcomes of these projects:
The most important outcome of the program is that every homeless person with whom we have contact is treated with dignity and respect, and is given opportunity to adopt the positive life-changes we promote. Often our workers become like a "temporary support family" - the kind of positive, holistic assistance sadly lacking in the "living rough" environment of the parks and laneways in such places as Tom Uren Square in Woolloomoolo.
When people become involved with our Homelss Accommodation and Outreach Program, they will experience our positive and practical affirmation of their humanity, signficance and worth both to Christ and to their local community. This kind of affirmation contributes invaluably to their long term journey toward independence, and ultimately to their positive contribution to society, in that they become competent and responsible regarding their own independent housing and employment situations.