Toowoomba’s Base Services hopes to raise $120k with Homeless for a Week campaign

The Base Services helps out thousands of people every year. Now it needs a helping hand to keep the doors open. Here’s how you can support them.

(From left) Daryl Nicholson, Tiff Spary, Nat Spary and Jacqui Armstrong at the Homeless for a Week launch at Base Services. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The organisers behind one of Toowoomba’s largest homeless support services wants to see more than 200 residents sleep rough this year, in a bid to raise $120,000.

The Base Services, which runs a soup kitchen and offers a variety of services from Neil Street, has launched its annual Homeless for a Week campaign, where co-ordinator Nat Spary will sleep on the streets of Toowoomba for seven days from August 2.

Mr Spary said he was hoping to see a record number of people also take part in Homeless for a Night, which involves sleeping rough with him for an evening.

He said the fundraiser was vital to keeping the lights on.

“Last year we only had a small window, and 186 people slept out and we are hoping for 200 people to do it this year,” Mr Spary said.

“We’re raising $120,000 to keep the soup kitchen open.

“It costs us thousands of dollars a month to assist people by giving them hot meals, showers and laundry facilities, as well as backpack beds.”

Armstrong Auto Group’s Jacqui Armstrong, who will take part in her fifth sleep-out, said the experience kept people grounded.

“I think it’s good to go outside your comfort zone and do things for other people,” she said.

The Commonwealth Bank’s local branch made an undisclosed donation towards the campaign.

To donate or sign up, head to the website at www.homelessforaweek.com.au.