MOUNT Gambier welfare agencies are bracing for a surge in people seeking assistance as wintry conditions sweep across the region.
St Vincent de Paul Society and ac.care are already reporting high demand for homelessness services as well as blankets and warm clothing.
With the temperature reaching only 11 degrees yesterday, Mount Gambier St Vincent de Paul president Jeanette Elliot said the organisation was expecting a large influx of people this winter.
“We are about to launch our winter appeal which will allow for the community to donate blankets and other warm clothing,” Ms Elliot said.
“We will be collecting blankets along with bedding and even mattresses just to help make home life that little bit more comfortable for those in need.”
The dedicated volunteer said Vinnies would also provide street swags to people sleeping rough.
“They are an additional assistance to keep the weather out a little bit,” Ms Elliot said.
“There are a lot of people who are sleeping rough, who do sleep out at night and who do live in their cars.”
Ms Elliot said this week has been particularly busy with 14 people visiting the service in one day.
She revealed people appeared to be struggling financially due to unemployment and high utility bills such as power.
“Unless you have full time employment you usually do not have enough to fully support yourself,” she said.
“If you do not own your own home or your own car you can really struggle.”
Despite the need for assistance, Ms Elliot mentioned the generosity of the Mount Gambier community stating they received a large amount of donated goods.
“I think it is very important for people to know that everything is here for them, it is a very private space and people should not be embarrassed,” she said.
“If we can help we will and if we cannot give them the help they need then we will guide them in the direction they need to go to.”
Meanwhile, ac.care homelessness and community services manager Trish Spark said the organisation was also gearing up for a busy winter.
“We are expecting to give away a similar number of blankets this year or maybe even more,” Ms Spark said.
“If people are sleeping rough then it is always nice to sleep with either another blanket or something other than a blanket.
“It is not just about giving them a blanket however it is also about keeping in contact with them each and everyday to ensure their are safe.”
ac.care helped a staggering 906 clients require assistance to move from homelessness into stable accommodation last financial year.
The agency’s early intervention services was used by 282 people with a further 161 people were navigated through a crisis via emergency accommodation.
Expecting similar statistics this coming wet season, Ms Spark said the toughest situation was the lacking of dry, warm spaces for those with no fixed address.
“We see an increase in people needing assistance during the winter months because it is not easy to find somewhere to sleep,” Ms Spark said.
“There is the need for that warmth and somewhere to be during the day as well as the night.
“But it is not always those who are couch surfing or sleeping in their cars there are others out there too.”
Ms Sparks said blankets were in high demand this winter after the organisation gifted more than 100 last year.
“We are expecting to give away a similar number of blankets this year or maybe even more,” she said.
“If people are sleeping rough then it is always nice to sleep with either another blanket or something other than a blanket.
“It is not just about giving them a blanket however it is also about keeping in contact with them each and everyday to ensure their are safe.”
People are encouraged to drop off good quality and warm blankets to the region’s welfare agencies.
