CHARLESTOWN HOMELESSNESS SERVICES

Ms JODIE HARRISON(Charlestown)This week is Homelessness Week 2020. In the shadow of COVID-19 and the recession, this year's Homelessness Week takes on a new level of urgency. Homelessness and housing insecurity takes on many forms, with rough-sleepers accounting for only a fraction of the total homelessness population. With rising property prices and insecure work, people are losing their homes, often through no fault of their own. Many things can cause a person to become homeless: domestic and family violence; going through a health crisis; even losing a job. The theme for this year's Homelessness Week is "Everybody Needs a Home." I would like to thank Homelessness Australia and local organisations who assist those experiencing homelessness in and around the Charlestown Electorate, including Samaritans; BaptistCare in Windale; AllambiCare and New Horizons in Charlestown; Our Backyard Car to Home Project; Matthew Talbot Homeless Service; Nova for Women and Children; Warlga Ngurra; and many more. The shelter, food, clothing, and importantly the emotional support these organisations provide people who, for whatever reason, find themselves without a home is truly inspiring. I know it continues to be incredibly difficult work, often working with people with complex needs. I truly thank you.

A Community Recognition Statement is an opportunity for an MP to give a short speech praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Statement,please email and let me know!