City provides e-support to help the homeless

20 November 2007

The City of Sydney has created a new online support program to make it easier for busy people who volunteer to learn more about homelessness.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show the number of volunteerism hours has increased over the past two decades, even though most Australians are working longer.

"This new on-line support kit will make sure those who generously give their own time to support the homeless in Sydney have the support and information they need to make the most of their spare time," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP

"Almost 100,000 people are estimated to be homeless across Australia sleeping on the streets, in parks, cars derelict buildings or emergency shelters and need all the support they can get."

The On-line Homelessness Volunteer Information Kit provides comprehensive information about homelessness and the range of services available to those in need.

"Time is an increasingly precious commodity and by giving volunteers access to a support kit that is on-line, they can increase their knowledge and skills in their own time," Ms Moore said.

"Homelessness is a national problem and this guide can be picked up by councils in other capital cities across Australia and even around the world," Ms Moore said

"We've already had interest from other major councils across the country, and even from as far away as America."

The On-line Homelessness Volunteer Information Kit has been developed by the City of Sydney with strong support from St Vincent De Paul's Night Patrol Service, which provides free food to the homeless and other disadvantaged people every night of the week.

The kit has been developed as part of the City's Homelessness Strategy 2007 - 2012 and supported by a $40,000 grant from the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA).

"Brett Avery is a 30-year-old IT professional, works more than 40 hours a week but still finds time to volunteer twice a month with St Vincent De Paul's Night Patrol Service.  He also has the additional responsibility as President of Night Patrol and was asked to help trial the On-line Homelessness Information Kit with the volunteers of Night Patrol."

"I wish I had an on-line information kit when I started as a volunteer five years ago. It contains everything you need to know in a single resource, making it quick and easy to learn about volunteering on services to help those experiencing homelessness," Brett says 

"By having the information on-line, you can spend a few hours learning about volunteering in your own time.  Then, when it comes time to actually helping the homeless, you'll know how, in the most effective way."

"Even volunteers who can only help out once a month, will learn this kit can multiply the effectiveness of their time," he says.

The new On-line Homelessness Volunteer Information Kit can be viewed at:

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/HomelessnessServices/InformationKitForVolunteers

Media Contact: Leanne Lincoln 9265 9910 or 0434 320 768