Charlotte Varcoe
AS the weather starts to cool, Salvation Army corps leader Tim Frost is calling on the community to donate blankets for those in need.
A recent The Border Watch article stated there were about 150 people experiencing homelessness in Mount Gambier/Berrin – a figure which coincides with Mr Frost’s current experiences.
Mr Frost said blankets were the most needed items for those experiencing homelessness which was as a result of the housing shortage and the rising cost of living.
“People are sleeping really rough and although some may be in a caravan, they may not have the resources they are used to,” Mr Frost said.
“The old woolen blankets are usually best and we would really appreciate them and know those who are struggling would appreciate it as well.”
He said when giving out donations, staff ensure those receiving blankets and other items knew people cared.
“We reassure them they are going to be okay,” Mr Frost said.
Leading into the winter months, Mr Frost said he was concerned about the number of people needing assistance with many finding it difficult to secure safe locations to set up with access to toilets and showers.
He said there were still people wanting to move to the region with Mr Frost stating he would have to encourage people not to do so if they already have accommodation yet the numbers compared to last year have lessened.
“I do not know whether it was because they were getting the message but the message remains the same, if you have somewhere to stay please do not come here because we do not want to add to the homeless group,” Mr Frost said.
“We have also been feeding people on a Friday night at Frew Park and last Friday we had 30 people coming along for help.”
He said there were more and more people who worked full time requesting help to feed their family.
“That is where the big issue is,” Mr Frost said.
“We also find mothers do not often buy themselves new underwear so we are able to provide them with new underwear.
“We were very fortunate to have done a drive for underwear and socks so we have some of those and we have been slowly giving those out but it is only because of the generosity of the public that we could do that.”
Mr Frost said he also found there was an increase in homeless people who were not being flagged due to living in people’s sheds or sleeping in their cars at people’s houses.
“This winter is all about keeping people warm and I was talking to a man we help regularly who is homeless and we gave him a sleeping bag and a two man tent but ideally we would love to give him a swag,” he said.
“A swag is one thing where when it is raining and wet, people find it hard to keep dry and it is hard for them to keep their bedding dry whereas a swag would prevent that.”
He said the Salvation Army was also after donations of men’s underwear and warm socks with men’s clothing often difficult to come by.
It comes as the Red Shield Appeal celebrates 60 years this year, with Mr Frost stating this year would be the first year 100 per cent of funds raised would go back into the community.
“The Salvation Army has now moved 100 per cent of the funds going back into the community for youth and welfare,” he said.
“The donations people make will come back here and be used to feed people and care for them each week.”
He said this year the Salvation Army was “really stepping up” what they were doing due to the generous donations from the public.
“The benefit of the Red Shield Appeal is that people have the opportunity to help,” Mr Frost said.
“Our collectors will be out and about at places like Bunnings, Mount Gambier Marketplace, Mount Gambier Centre as well as Woolworths and Coles.
“We do not pull people aside and beg for money, we just give people the opportunity to donate and make ourselves available to the public.”
He said the money raised would go towards feeding those in need and purchase resources.
“We also have people coming in with big bills saying they can pay the bill but cannot feed themselves so we will help in those situations as well,” Mr Frost said.
“This is not about us, it is about giving the general public the opportunity to help.”
The Red Shield Appeal weekend will be held on May 25 and 26.
Those wishing to volunteer over the weekend are able to do so by contacting the Salvation Army Mount Gambier.
