In this edition:

Thank you

Volunteer and Depot Update

Food and Essential Items we Need

Introducing the Committee

Fundraising Update - Request for Support

Perth Homeless Support Group would like to say a huge thank you to Craig Mason and his team at Joondalup Signarama for there donation of the wrap on our new van. 

For us to do what we do the support of the community and the business community is essential in us continuing to help those experiencing homelessness. Thank you all

The start of this year was really tough with all the devastating bush fires and we saw a significant drop in donations to our depot as these were understandably directed towards the bush fire appeal. 

Then COVID-19 hit and we had to re structure our  policies and procedures, both for our depot and for our outreach and adapt to this new way of life all while still providing an important and essential service to those experiencing homelessness. Again we have seen a significant drop in donations to us during the pandemic.

As restrictions ease we have slowly been integrating volunteers back into roles within the depot. We are still only operating with a minimal number of our most experienced volunteers but hope to extend this in the coming weeks. The last two weeks has seen an increase in our donations coming into the depot now and the community has been amazing answering our call outs for certain items.

There have been job losses due to COVID-19 and as a result of this we have had an increase in demand for our hamper service that we have newly implemented to help those most vulnerable and at risk within our communities. 

The support we have received by the community and our members has been amazing and we are truly thankful for this. We are also very proud and grateful to our amazing team of dedicated and committed volunteers who have been at our depot daily throughout this whole process and have been so instrumental in us still being able to do what we do during this pandemic. 

This also extends to our awesome team leaders who rain, hail or shine are up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning, collecting our vans from the depot and heading out to distribute pre made care packs to those experiencing homelessness in the city. 

We look forward to seeing you all back in the many volunteering opportunities we will have available at the end of this pandemic. 

Stay safe, be well kind regards

Jed Fay

Volunteer Coordinator

Depot Manager

Whilst every donation is greatly appreciated there are a number of items we always need.

Bottled water, long life milk, Up & Go breakfast drinks, sanitiser,  wet wipes, NEW underwear and socks

These items can be dropped off at our headquarters located at 2/28 Munt St Baywater on weekdays between 10am and 2pm or phone us to arrange collection.

Other items we use include:

NON PERISHABLE FOOD - Preferably cans with ring-pull opener.
Baked beans, Spaghetti, Noodles In a cup, Long life cheese and crackers, Tinned tuna, Sardines in tomato sauce, Up and go breakfast drinks, Sustagen, Fruit tubs, Fruit juice boxes,Vanilla creamed rice, Sultanas ,Arnotts shapes, Le snacks, Sultanas, Jelly beans, Barley sugar, Jelly babies, Chip snack packs, Mints.

TOILETRIES:
Soap, Shampoo, Body wash, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Razors, Deodorant (roll on only), Wet wipes, Combs, Brushes , Condoms,
Essential Women supply us with Tampons etc.

SUNDRIES
Sleeping bags, Torches and batteries, Blankets (DARK COLOURS ONLY), Scarves, Beanies, Socks (NEW socks please) Mens underwear M-L, Womens underwear Sizes 10 -16 . Please No Used Underwear or Socks.

Perth Homeless Support Group is managed by a committee of volunteers.

• Aaron McGregor -  President
• Ron Reid - Vice President & Co-founder
• Michael Edwards - Treasurer & Co-founder
• Fiona Burns - Secretary
• Jed Fay - Volunteer Coordinator & depot Manager
• Paula Turton - Fundraising Officer

Unfortunately there is not enough room in this newsletter to tell you more about each of them. So, we will introduce you to one of them in each future edition. 

Unfortunately our many fundraising events including movie sessions had to be cancelled recently due to the mandated social distancing requirements.

This has had an unfortunate flow on effect to our bank balance, so we ask that you donate funds on a once off or ongoing basis through the Paypal Giving Fund.

Contributing through the Paypal Giving Fund is fee free so your donation will go directly towards supporting the homeless with everyday essentials. 

Alternatively you can make a deposit into our community bank account. 

BSB: 806-015     ACC: 01904280

As we are a registered charity all donations over $2 are tax deductible.