Addressing homelessness challenges in the Hunter region of NSW

Barry Altman (right), Doorways Regional Manager for NSW North, with participants from various services at the Hunter Homeless Connect Day.

BY BARRY ALTMAN Doorways Regional Manager – NSW North

I recently had the privilege of attending the Hunter Homeless Connect Day, a meaningful event dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by our homeless community.

This initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by a coalition of government and non-government services, supplemented by the tireless efforts of numerous volunteers.

Together, they combine in-kind and financial support from various organisations, community partners, and individuals to create a constructive and compassionate environment for those in need.

This year, we had the pleasure of collaborating with dedicated teams from The Salvation Army’s Doorways and Employment Plus expressions, alongside homelessness services, and the government voluntary service Parent Pathways.

Captain Lydia Spencer, Norwest Lake Macquarie Corps Officer, and Employment Plus chaplain Will Bragg.

I would like to extend my gratitude to our united team, especially Salvation Army chaplain from EPlus, Will Bragg, and Captain Lydia Spencer, from the Newcastle Corps, whose presence added significant value to the day.

I would also like to acknowledge the exceptional commitment and hard work of our Doorways caseworker Daniella Ward, who serves the Raymond Terrace/Hunter regions. Daniella’s dedication to her role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness is truly commendable.

Additionally, it was a pleasure to welcome caseworker, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie’s Hayley Bateman, to our team. Her fresh perspective and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute positively to our efforts.

Despite the weather presenting challenges that likely contributed to lower attendance this year compared to previous years, the event, held on Wednesday 30 July at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, was still a resounding success.

The positive atmosphere allowed for valuable networking opportunities, enabling us to connect with old friends and forge new relationships with other essential services that share our mission of supporting our local communities.

Daniella Ward, who serves the Raymond Terrace/Hunter regions for Doorways.

One particularly poignant moment for me was encountering a former participant from over 10 years ago, someone I had the privilege of being a case manager for during her journey in AOD services. It was heartening to see her flourishing in life and representing another service, proudly sharing her success story.

Experiences like these motivate me and remind me of the profound impact we can have in the lives of others through our commitment to service.

As we continue our work, it is essential to remember that the relationships we build and the support we provide truly matter. Each success story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to persist in our efforts to uplift and empower those who may be struggling. It is through collaboration, empathy, and dedication that we can foster meaningful change in our communities.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved in making this event possible. Your efforts and commitment to support individuals facing homelessness are invaluable. I took the liberty of capturing a few images to commemorate the spirit of the day, reflecting the camaraderie and shared purpose we all embrace.

Together, we can continue to make a difference in our local communities, demonstrating that we are not only here to support those experiencing hardship, but also to celebrate resilience and success.

Thank you once again to all the partners, volunteers, and attendees for your hard work and dedication. It is a privilege to work alongside such committed individuals in our pursuit of fostering hope and positive outcomes for those in need. Believe in Good!