Hobart City Mission says programs may close if more funds not forthcoming
As cost of living bites, the 170-year-old Hobart City Mission may have to close programs if it cannot get more donations and government funding. READ WHY >>>
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As its major annual fundraiser falls well short, the Hobart City Mission may have to close vital programs if it does not get more public donations and government funding to reduce homelessness.
HCM chief financial officer Scott Adams said Sleep Rough, a community sleep out event next Friday May 23 had a target of $300,000 but so far only $59,000 had been raised.
“With only a week to go we’re a long way from our target which as the CFO is extremely worrying,” he said.
“If we don’t hit that target and we don’t get funding out of government, which given the budget situation is very unlikely, we’re going to have to close programs.
“Our programs deal with those people most disadvantaged and a lot of the difficult clients and there’s just nowhere else for them to go if we’re not doing it
“Given the economic climate, getting donations from the public is obviously a tough ask at the moment and we’re even considering a food drive.”
HCM provides as many as 900 food packs to people every month.
Mr Adams said as at March there were 5069 applicants on the Tasmanian Housing register, “the highest number ever”.
“So many of these applicants have no safe and stable place to stay, and the need for our services is through the roof.
“This year’s Sleep Rough fundraiser is absolutely critical for our ability to meet the demand.”
Mission CEO Harvey Lennon says it “costs more to ignore homelessness than to solve it”.
In a Talking Point in the Mercury, he says Mountain View, a transitional housing program in Hobart, “faces an uncertain future without government funding”.
Mr Adams said he was grateful for those taking part in Sleep Rough including a Hobart City Council team who are leading the fundraising.
Council head of executive services Laura Eaton said she and five colleagues wanted to not only “stand in solidarity with those who are without a home” but also to raise funds for the Mission to continue their “life-changing programs that break the cycle of homelessness”.
“No one chooses to sleep rough,” she said.
“It isn’t just a housing issue – it’s a human one.
“Despite efforts made to date, we are still seeing people sleep rough, whether it be on our streets, or in cars, this isn’t something anyone should have to experience, and with the winter months, fast approaching, now more than ever we need to be doing all we can as a community to support those who are left with no choice, but to sleep rough.”
Ms Eaton said the team hoped to raise $5000.
“We are encouraging as many as people to dig deep and find it in the hearts to support this campaign,” she said.
“Any donation big or small, will go towards making an impact on someone else’s life.”
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Originally published as Hobart City Mission says programs may close if more funds not forthcoming
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