Jade Hamilton named Local Heroes finalist
Lazarus Community Centre Geelong general manager Jade Hamilton knew from a young age that she wanted to help others.
Geelong
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Kindness is free, and can make such a big difference to somebody’s life.
For Jade Hamilton, general manger of Lazarus Community Centre Geelong, these are words to live by.
The drop-in centre welcomes visitors with lunch, showers, clothing, laundry facilities, computer access and connection to support services.
“It’s also a place of community connection, and a place for people to feel a sense of belonging in a non-judgmental space, particularly for those who are experiencing homelessness,” Ms Hamilton said.
Demand has significantly increased in recent years, with the centre now averaging 45 clients a day and 30 to 40 new clients a month.
While anyone is welcome, most clients are experiencing homelessness.
The centre does not receive government funding and relies on donations and volunteers.
Ms Hamilton, an Ocean Grove resident with over 20 years’ experience as a social worker, knew from a young age that she wanted to help others.
She said supporting and advocating for others is a privilege.
She is working towards opening a “beddown” in the Geelong region which will provide a bed for the night to those who don’t have one, including Lazarus Community Centre clients who have no home to go to once the centre closes for the day.
“The system is quite broken at the moment,” she said.
“There are not enough resources and affordable and available accommodation and secure housing for our community”.
Ms Hamilton is a finalist in the Westfield Geelong Local Heroes program which highlights every day role models who make a positive impact on their local community or the environment.
Libby Bate, president of Cancer After Care Group Geelong, and former police chief superintendent Brian Edward, who is now retired and the children’s camp coordinator at Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay, are also finalists.
The winner will receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation and each finalist will receive a $5000 grant for their organisation.
People can vote at www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes
Originally published as Jade Hamilton named Local Heroes finalist
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