Your NNC: Blog
New partnership with Newtown Mission
One Stop Shop (OSS) and Chat N Connect (CNC) have moved to a new home in the heart of our neighbourhood, partnering with Newtown Mission to better serve those experiencing homelessness in our area. Run by the Community Strengthening Team and supported by our incredible volunteers, Chat N Connect shares information and referrals for local services, along with a hot drink and friendly conversation. This is run in tandem with One Stop Shop, a multi-agency hub with representatives from government, legal, housing and health agencies who offer support and advice. Did you know that 70% of the work for our homeless outreach program takes place outside of the centre? By partnering with Newtown Mission, we can be even closer to this community and ensure broader use of our programs. Through offering face-to-face access to social and health services, as well as a sense of belonging, OSS and CNC create a safe space for marginalised people. According to Tom, one of our volunteers, Chat N Connect is the highlight of his week: “I get to see the regulars, have a coffee with them and hear about what has been going on for them. Having One Stop Shop here, too, means that if I chat to someone who needs help, I can link them in on the spot, which feels really good,” says Tom. More than 25 people rely on OSS each week for information and referrals to essential services, engaging with case managers, housing advocacy and assistance accessing payments. CNC and OSS offer not only a support network, but social connection for isolated members of our community, a basic human need that we all deserve. |