We are expanding our Newtopian Outreachers to the Sydney CBD and are looking for volunteers who are willing to engage with people sleeping rough to provide connection and support where appropriate.
As an Outreach Volunteer your will be part of the inaugural 2020 Newtopian Outreachers - Sydney Project, which is designed to grow a network of wider community members who can be informed and effective advocates for both the practical housing and service needs and the importance of community connection for people experiencing homelessness.
No experience in the community services sector is necessary as comprehensive training will be provided. However, while this work can be incredibly rewarding, volunteers must also be mindful that not everyone will want assistance and there are likely to be some challenges along the way.
Applications are now open. Fill out the Volunteer Application Form here All applications must be submitted before Wednesday March 11.
The Community Homeless Outreach program consists of passionate and committed volunteers "Newtopian Outreachers" who work in collaboration with Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and our other partner organisations to tackle one of our community’s biggest challenges: homelessness. The Newtopian Outreachers – Newtown program involves volunteers taking part in monthly outreach, engaging with people experiencing homelessness around Newtown and offering assistance. This may include how to access temporary crisis accommodation, where to get meals or where to find other local support services.
This project is about creating a sense of community and changing perceptions and assumptions about people experiencing homelessness. During this experience we encourage volunteers to share their journey with friends and family to help raise awareness.
The Newtopian Outreacher Evaluation Report clearly demonstrates the impact of this project on Newtown Neighbourhood Centre volunteers and staff as well as the homeless community. A big thanks to Connie Henson, CEO of Learning Quest, who undertook this evaluation on a pro bono basis. We are excited about the potential for this model to work in other places where communities are concerned about people sleeping rough and want to take local action. Check out the report here.
If you would like to discuss the potential application of this project to your local community or organisation, please email admin@newtowncentre.org.
The original pilot NNC Homeless Outreach project was supported by Inner West Council, Westpac and Uniting. The Newtopian Outreachers - Sydney project is made possible by a combination of sources including grants from The City of Sydney, Uniting and Westpac and through the generous support of the community at fundraising events like Newtown Festival and Newtopian Sleepout.
