Hornsby Connect fills a need with many services
THE soaring cost of living and rising homelessness in the Hornsby area is putting pressure on household budgets with volunteer organisations scrambling to meet their needs.
Hornsby
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THE soaring cost of living and rising homelessness in the Hornsby area is putting pressure on household budgets with volunteer organisations scrambling to meet their needs.
Many of the needy get their basic food items from Hornsby Connect, a not-for -profit organisation established by local residents to help those who are doing it tough.
Steve Hopwood, the president of Hornsby Connect, said they also help their clients overcome personal trials, including relationship breakdown, unemployment, and language barriers which, “all resulting in isolation”.
Hornsby Connect, which began operations in November 2016, serves around 60 families each week, with their services on Wednesdays (2-3.30pm) at Hornsby Youth & Family Community Centre.
“We operate a food distribution point to provide people experiencing financial hardship with affordable groceries and provide a cafe-type facility for people to meet and get to know one other,” Mr Hopwood said.
”We assist people who are socially isolated to reconnect with society and provide personalised support to long-term unemployed and for those that have been caught-up in the poverty trap.
“By partnering with the local community, we do help build relationships and empower people to make life-transforming choices, for themselves and for their families.
“Beyond this, our food services also act as a connection point — opening doors to other services that empower and support people living with disadvantages.”
Mr Hopwood, who said Hornsby Connect also provides counselling and referral assistance, stressed they rely on volunteers to run their many programs.
He said they are in desperate need of volunteers, specially drivers to pick up and deliver food, admitting that a lack of volunteers could hamper their services.
“Unless we have an influx of volunteers soon, the service levels that we currently offer could be compromised,” Mr Hopwood said.
“This is something that we do not want to happen.”
Mr Hopwood said their groceries are sourced from Foodbank, Oz Harvest and Secondbite, stressing that their community initiative has changed many peoples lives for the better.
He said several clients have told them that if not for Hornsby Connect, they would be struggling to make ends meet.
Some clients’ feedback:
“I’m financially in hardship and in debt and can’t secure a stable job for now and without the providence of Hornsby Connect and their good works and services I wouldn’t be to endure and fulfil my fortnight need of food I am thankful and grateful to praise you all love and regards.”
“I wouldn’t make it through the second week food-wise if I didn’t have this service.
“It has given me a sense of being able to stand on my feet. I have lost so much, and it feels hard to ask for help but here I am getting help but I am also paying for it.
“I have had to move to this area to be able to retrain and complete my studies, the rent is so much higher, but I can’t go back to my house up north till I have finished my course.
“I come on a Wednesday to have a good meal and to do shopping that helps me get through the two weeks.”
“Coles and Woolworths are quite expensive when you live on a budget. Most of my money goes on rent and bills so food is the thing I have some control over.
“I really like the opportunity to get free fruit and vegetables as they are often the most expensive in the shops.
“I live on my own and this is my only opportunity to chat with other people. It is helping my English and my worries about making friends.”
■ Address: Cnr Muriel & Burdett Streets, Hornsby (entry via Burdett St gate)
■ If you can help, contact: 0401 778 124 or Hopwoods@hornsbyconnect.org.au