Showers, laundry, meals and mental health support offered to homeless during lockdown

The Byron Community Centre is currently closed to the public but the not-for-profit continued to provide vital services to locals in need.

Liberation Larder volunteers offers hot and frozen takeaway meals Mondays and Thursdays in Byron Bay, even during the lockdown.

Homeless people and those in need in Byron Bay have continued receiving laundry, showers, meals and mental health support during the pandemic.

Under the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Byron Community Centre has modified their services by offering takeaway breakfasts, putting casework outreach on hold, and limiting how many people can access showers in one session.

Louise O’Connell, General Manager of the Byron Community Centre, said although the centre was closed, the not-for-profit team had provided vital services.

“Byron Community Centre decided many years ago to support our community’s most vulnerable,” she said.

“While it is challenging to continue to provide services during a pandemic, we are determined to provide food, showers, counselling and other support to those in need, thanks to our volunteers and dedicated staff.”

Homelessness in Byron Bay. Photo: Javier Encalada

Cherie Bromley, Community Programs Manager at the centre, said while Byron Bay was already struggling with a housing crisis, the impact of the lockdown is especially hard for those who don’t have a roof over their heads or know where their next meal is coming from.

“With the recent spotlight being shone on Australia‘s societal inequalities, it is important, actually essential, that organisations like the Byron Community Centre continue to support vulnerable members of our community in a safe way,” she said.

“These changes have regrettably reduced the opportunity for social interaction and gatherings in our services.”

The Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community.