Hunter Homeless Connect received a cheque for $15,155 from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes on Thursday after Newcastle’s church and business communities united at the Annual Lord Mayor Prayer Breakfast at NEX Newcastle.
“Hunter Homeless Connect does invaluable work connecting vulnerable people in our community with vital services and support,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The funds raised will go towards the Hunter Homeless Connect Community Directory and Connecting the Hunter program to allow Hunter Homeless Connect to continue to deliver on its mission during the pandemic and in the face of the current housing crisis.”
Hunter Homeless Connect Chairperson Jenn O’Sullivan said the financial boost would allow the organisation to maintain its highly valued welfare programs and afford opportunities to expand.
“We are so grateful to receive such incredible support from the Newcastle community through the Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast,” she said.
“Hunter Homeless Connect provides a dignified and practical way for people experiencing homelessness to identify inclusive and welcoming environments, have access to services and connection to members of the community without judgment.
“From humble beginnings in 2009, the annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day has gone from strength to strength, providing direct, on-the-ground resources and support to those doing it tough such as food, clothing, bedding, phone cards, free haircuts and health services and much more.
“The Hunter Homeless Connect Community Directory helps people find community and government services, accommodation providers, food banks, emergency relief and financial assistance.”
The Lord Mayor said the breakfast brought together more than 400 like-minded people and organisations to celebrate shared values that benefit the community.
“These values unite us and help all Newcastle residents, irrespective of their background,” she said.
“By joining together in compassion, respect, tolerance, justice and equity we can achieve great things for our city.”
The Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has raised more than $100,000 for charities in the area since it began in 2009.
Information source: Media release, Jun 17, City of Newcastle