Coronavirus: Ian and Sandy Sneddon are helping the homeless amid COVID-19

As vital support services cease across the country, a Gold Coast couple is desperately trying to protect our community’s most vulnerable - left exposed by virus shutdowns. You can help.

IAN and Sandy Sneddon say the homeless are struggling more than ever as support networks close or reduce services due to coronavirus health concerns.

“My heart is aching for the Gold Coast homeless community,” Mrs Sneddon said.

“Support services are closing and they are getting desperate. The homeless need our help.”

As positive cases of COVID-19 skyrocket many Coast homeless services, like Rosie’s and Support the Girls Australia, have decided to shut their doors to protect their volunteers and clientele.

Ian and Sandy Sneddon from Helping the Homeless, have been donating clothes to the homeless for the last 4 years. Picture: Jerad Williams

Coomera retirees Mr and Mrs Sneddon, founders of an initiative called Helping the Homeless, have donated clothes, toiletries and personal items to homeless men for four years.

And Ms Sneddon said their “street family” needed them more than ever.

“It is a really hard time and there has been an increase in demand, especially for clothes for the hospital,” she said.

“A lot of men we know have worn one set of clothes for the last month.”

As some homeless feeding nights are shutting down because of new social distancing laws, the Sneddon are trying to collect items to help services like Hope Starts Here.

“It would be great if the community could help us.”

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They are seeking donations of toilet rolls and tinned food such as soup, noodle cups, fish, fruit cups, ring pull baked beans and spaghetti. Men shorts and winter clothes are other items in high demand.

Ian and Sandy Sneddon say more than ever the homeless need them during COVID-19. Picture: Jerad Williams

“We will be dropping them off to our regular homeless friends and a few services on the Coast,” Ms Sneddon said.

“If everyone works together we will get through this.”

To help, go to [e-mail], find them on Facebook or call 0418883266.