A vital homelessness service in the heart of Byron Bay could be forced to cut services without additional donations from the community.
Fletcher Street Cottage has provided thousands of breakfasts, showers and support appointments to the Shire’s ballooning homeless population since it opened in April last year.
But without any on-going government funding, and with community support dwindling, the service is struggling to keep up the flow of support.
‘Having any of the services cut at Fletcher Street Cottage would be a devastating loss,’ said Mathew Broster, who was sleeping rough on the streets of Byron before receiving help from the staff and volunteers at Fletcher Street.
‘I’m one of the lucky ones… going from being a rough sleeper to finding emergency accommodation.’
With Byron’s population of rough sleepers growing to become the largest of any local government area in NSW, including the City of Sydney, the demand for the services at Fletcher Street has increased significantly.
Operating costs at $1m
As a result, the service’s annual operating costs have increased to $1 million.
Louise O’Connell, the General Manager of the Byron Community Centre, which runs the cottage, said so far community contributions had made up around 20 per cent of what was required.
‘We’ve already been forced to cut services and may have to cut more,’ Ms O’Connell said.
‘We urgently need sustained and increased support.’
With no ongoing government funding, the Byron Community Centre is calling on the community to step in and help bridge the gap.
They’re hoping that the increased awareness and publicity brought by homelessness week – commencing this coming Monday (August 7) – will inspire locals to dig deep.
‘We’re calling on the generosity and compassion of our community to help us bridge the funding gap,’ said Kate Love, Acting Manager.
‘Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable among us have access to the support and care they need to overcome their challenges and thrive.’
In the last year, Fletcher Street Cottage says it has provided over 10,500 breakfasts, 5,000 showers and laundry washes, and 2,600 support appointments with its team of Community Support Workers. These appointments included the provision of emergency relief, information, referrals and advocacy. To donate, or support Fletcher Street Cottage, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Those wanting to make a larger donation are invited to contact Kate Love on 0448 141 490 or [email protected].
