Day for plight of homeless

A special day for volunteers and guests was held at Mary Mac's Place on August 8 to acknowledge national Homeless Persons Week.

Students from St John the Baptist School and representatives from community organisations joined with Mary Mac's volunteers to acknowledge "the difficult plight of many of their guests who are homeless or living in temporary and insecure accommodation".

The Feast of the Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop, after whom the charity is named, was celebrated the same week.

"Homeless Persons Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness of the increasing problem of homelessness on the Central Coast, and to seek support for Mary Mac's in providing for the increasing numbers of people in desperate need," project coordinator Ms Robyn Schacht said.

Ms Schacht said Mary Mac's now supports more than 90 men, women and children each weekday.

"We offer our guests nourishing midday meals and information and referrals to community services," Ms Schacht said.

"Over the last 12 months, there has been an increase of 44 per cent in numbers of people seeking our assistance.

"Over the same period, running costs have risen by 55 per cent.

"Unfortunately, requests for emergency housing far outstrip available resources and people without a roof over their heads have little chance of securing accommodation.

"There is no men's crisis accommodation facility on the Peninsula and many people are forced to bed down wherever they can find shelter from the winter chills and rain."

Ms Schacht said donations provided by the Peninsula Community Centre, Woy Woy Lions Club and Central Coast Community Chest have been amazing.

"Helping to meet the escalating cost of providing nourishing meals and assistance for those in need, are the Peninsula Community Centre and Woy Woy Lion's Club who each donated $500 to Mary Mac's Place," Ms Schacht said.

"Central Coast Community Chest has provided funding for a larger, more powerful microwave to help cope with the increased demand.

"Assistance has also been received from the School for Seniors with hand-knitted rugs, tinned food and sleeping bags.

"Toukley Dry Cleaners has made a generous donation of warm coats through their Coats for Kids campaign.

"Surplus food from World Youth Day celebrations has been received from the Catholic Parishes of Terrigal, The Entrance, Terry Hills and Woy Woy Peninsula.

"Year Six students from St John the Baptist School distributed toiletries which they had collected as part of their social justice program, while Con and Marj Ryan from Pax Australia also donated a generous supply of toiletries."

With donations for Mary Mac's Place, phone Ms Schacht on 4341 0584.

Press release, 14 Aug 2008 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place