People experiencing homelessness can receive a range of vital services in a new safe space in Hamilton thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle and two charitable organisations.
The Salvation Army’s Community Centre in Cleary Street is now also a permanent home for Reach Homeless Services, with volunteers setting up every morning and on Friday evenings to offer food, connection and necessities.
Chair of the Reach Homeless Services board Alex Rees, Cr Jenny Barrie and Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett at the Cleary Street Community Centre.
After 12 years operating in various public locations in Hamilton, Reach now has dedicated access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs, providing a space for those in need, as well as a location for volunteers to pack emergency food and hygiene kits, and breakfast packs.
To facilitate this community service, City of Newcastle provided the Salvation Army with specialist planning advice to assist with the development application for the new arrangement.
Having coordinated the initial meetings between Reach and the Salvation Army, Councillor Jenny Barrie said she was pleased to see the service up and running.
“As a Council, we’ve committed to reviewing free food supply services in Hamilton to better meet the needs of the community,” Cr Barrie said.
“Addressing food insecurity in a permanent, indoor location provides advantages over public spaces, including kitchen facilities and refrigeration.
“Open-air food distribution is highly visible and can deter people from accessing aid due to social stigma.
“Sadly, food insecurity affects one in three households across NSW. This is a positive collaboration that will deliver real benefits for people in need in Newcastle.”
Reach Homeless Services Executive Director Gary Parsisson said the cost-of-living crisis has led to an increase in people doing it tough.
“We help a wide range of people who could be experiencing homelessness, drugs and alcohol struggles, mental health issues, domestic violence, financial hardship or loneliness,” Mr Parsisson said.
“Reach has been providing food insecurity services in Hamilton for more than a decade in temporary locations such as James Street Plaza and Hamilton Station Park.
“Having a permanent, secure location ensures we can operate in any type of weather, allowing people who might be suffering from a sense of isolation to make some much-needed connections.
“Our friends now have the chance to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee on a cold morning, share a Friday night meal under a roof, and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified.
“We’re very grateful to be able to collaborate with City of Newcastle and the Salvation Army to provide this service.”
Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett said the arrangement with Reach is a wonderful addition to the services offered by the Salvos.
“We aim to serve the wider community of Newcastle, meeting needs as they arise without judgment or discrimination,” Ms Bennett said.
“Our community involvement includes a range of activities that care for people such as our Emergency Relief service, community meals, homeless packs, shower facilities and much more.
“Collaborating with Reach complements the other services we host in Cleary St including Street Side Medics and Orange Sky.
“There are Salvation Army services such Employment Plus, Moneycare and Doorways programs, as well as other contributors such as Oz Harvest, Foodbank, Coles SecondBite and RSPCA Hunter Supporters Group.
“We’re proud to partner with Reach as we fight the severe cost-of-living and food insecurity crisis impacting the region.”
City of Newcastle is committed to working closely with all local support services, businesses, residents and NSW Police to support a safer and more welcoming environment in Hamilton.