How Pete’s Place provides hope when there is little
Well away from the postcard views, luxury apartments and pricey restaurants at The Jetty, Pete’s Place is dedicated to helping Coffs Harbour’s strugglers. See how they are making a world of difference and saved a man’s life.
Community News
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Pete’s Place in Coffs Harbour is doing everything in its power to spread the festive spirit to local battlers.
Providing food, clothing, showers, counselling and a safe community, the drop-in centre has saved the lives of many.
Nathan Thomas, 43, said he visits Pete’s Place daily for breakfasts and a space to catch up with friends.
“It’s like family,” he said.
Mr Thomas spent 25 years in prison – without Pete’s Place he said he’d likely still be there.
“I don’t need to steal food to survive now,” he said.
Mr Thomas will spend Christmas at Pete’s Place.
“They’re tops – if it weren't for these people there would be a lot more crime,” he said.
Mr Thomas says Pete’s Place is a safe space to sit down, share a laugh and have a yarn.
“They give me tucker to take home and help with vouchers – anything you need they help,” he said.
Mr Thomas said a group recently sang Christmas carols for the centre.
“It doesn’t matter what colour you are – you’re welcome here,” he said.
Pete’s Place sees many community members from ‘Tent City’, where a woman gave an insight into life there earlier this year.
Anna Scott is the manager at Pete’s Place, which receives hundreds of donations, presents and hampers to dispense for Christmas.
“The community is blowing us away,” Ms Scott said.
Pete’s Place will host a Christmas party for more than 180 people this year with the support of Bunnings.
Ms Scott said the current housing crisis had made it harder than ever for many in the community.
“This year, we’re seeing more people at risk of homelessness due to the cost of living,” she said.
Ms Scott said some who had come out of domestic violence households or prison have been black-listed for rentals, leaving them no choice but homelessness.
She said providing more social housing was the only answer.
“Despite the tragedy, Pete's Place is a place of joy,” she said.
Angelika Aulerich, 65, and three volunteers cooked more than 7000 meals this year for Pete’s Place.
Just last week, the team in Bellingen prepared more than 323 home cooked meals.
“I’m ramming vegetables down their throats,” Ms Aulerich joked.
Last year, Ms Aulerich was runner-up for Coffs Harbour Woman of the Year for her admirable efforts to give back to the community.
She hopes Pete’s Place continues to grow and provide food and shelter daily.
“Homelessness doesn't have a timeslot,” Ms Aulerich said.
She said more volunteers are needed to tackle the growing housing crisis.
“It’s a community effort – we need to be serious about giving time for those in need,” she said.
The community is urged to help spread Christmas joy for those doing it tough on the Coffs Coast – giving anything they don’t need to: Pete’s Place – Community Village, 22 Earl Street Coffs Harbour.
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