A Plea to Help Homelessnesss

It is estimated the number of homeless people on the Gold Coast has increased 30 per cent since 2011. Supporting those experiencing homelessness are a number of charitable organisations from Coomera to Coolangatta preparing and serving meals both morning and night.

Can you help? Homelessness is a growing problem in our city. I had the pleasure of attending three charitable organisations supporting the homeless recently. One particular organisation is called Havafeed. “The challenge is needing to look after so many people’s health and nutrition as many of our patrons suffer from chronic health problems, like diabetes, as well as intolerances and obesity.”

A long-standing Service initiative at Somerset has been Meals that Make a Difference. This is where generous College families cook hearty and nutritious meals using supplied recipes and trays. Once prepared, these meals are dropped off at the Ray Building and stored in our freezer until they are collected at the end of the week from organisations like Havafeed.

With the ever increasing demand, we are putting the call out to our families. If you are in a position to help, please ask your son or daughter to collect a tray (with recipe) from Miss Melinda Green in the Student Services Hub or from main reception. Trays (with recipes) are also available for collection from Junior School Reception.

Senior School students will soon have the opportunity to participate in our first Homelessness Sleepout next term. Students will sleep ‘rough’ (on their cardboard in the Quad/Gym with a sleeping bag) but prior to doing so meet and serve the people experiencing homelessness at safe community centres supervised by Somerset staff. Numbers will be limited to 20 students and positions will fill quickly at sign-up in Week 9.