Community Homeless Outreach
HOMELESS OUTREACH
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WHAT IS COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH?
The Newtopian Outreachers program involves volunteers taking part in a weekly outreach where they engage with people experiencing homelessness. The teams are able to offer assistance and this can include how to access temporary crisis accommodation, where to get meals or where to find other local support services. This project aims to create a sense of community and change perceptions and assumptions about people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are encouraged to share their journey with friends and family to help raise awareness and grow a network of informed community members. Our goal is to create a more caring, connected society who advocate for both the practical housing and service needs and the importance of community connection for people experiencing homelessness. |
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NEWTOPIAN OUTREACHERS - Newtown
In 2018 we first launched our Newtopian Outreach program in Newtown. This program is now in its fourth year and has trained 33 passionate and committed locals to actively address homelessness in Newtown. The original pilot NNC Homeless Outreach project was supported by Inner West Council, Westpac and Uniting. |
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NEWTOPIAN OUTREACHERS - CBD
In 2020 we had the opportunity to expand the program and launch in the CBD. Despite a delay to the training process due to COVID-19, 38 volunteers were able to participate in multiple outreaches at the end of 2020. We are excited to be recommencing volunteer outreach for a second year in the CBD and will continue to develop partnerships with other agencies who play a key role in ensuring housing outcomes for the people our teams connect with. The Newtopian Outreachers - Sydney project was made possible by a combination of sources including grants from The City of Sydney, Uniting, Westfield and Westpac. |
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Both programs have been generously supported by the community at fundraising events such as Newtopian Sleepout and Newtown Festival. Make a donation today to help ensure this program continues to support people sleeping rough.
2020 EVALUATION REPORT
In 2020, Connie Henson (CEO, Learning Quest) researched and interviewed volunteers from our CBD program to develop a second evaluation report. The report highlights changes in knowledge, confidence and behaviour of our volunteers before and after the training program.
Throughout the evaluation the importance of learning these vital skills and the positive impact the program has on our volunteers is evident.
Read the full report here.
A big thanks to Connie who undertook this project on a pro-bono basis.
In 2020, Connie Henson (CEO, Learning Quest) researched and interviewed volunteers from our CBD program to develop a second evaluation report. The report highlights changes in knowledge, confidence and behaviour of our volunteers before and after the training program.
Throughout the evaluation the importance of learning these vital skills and the positive impact the program has on our volunteers is evident.
Read the full report here.
A big thanks to Connie who undertook this project on a pro-bono basis.
For all enquiries about the program please contact Karen Hunter, Homelessness Outreach Team Leader at karen@newtowncentre.org
Please note that we are not currently recruiting new volunteers in the program as all shifts are filled. Please keep in touch via our newsletter and/or social media for any future volunteer training.
Please note that we are not currently recruiting new volunteers in the program as all shifts are filled. Please keep in touch via our newsletter and/or social media for any future volunteer training.
Check out this video of our team in action: