New local group for more support in Swan Hill

Homelessness in Swan Hill rising: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria driving new local group for more support 

A new working group is being formed for people and organisations in Swan Hill to raise funds and support for the rising number of people experiencing homelessness in Swan Hill – and there’s a call out to get involved. 

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Swan Hill Conference is partnering with Swan Hill Sunrise Rotary Club to form a working group of people and representatives from organisations to discuss ways to raise funds to provide a better standard of living conditions for people experiencing homelessness. 

While it may not be obvious at first glance, homelessness is on the rise in Swan Hill. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many, more people are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their homes.  

In Swan Hill, there is also a serious shortage of suitable accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. The local welfare organisations that support people experiencing homelessness have limited resources and funding, so can only provide limited support to people, often men, who have fallen on hard times. 

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and the Salvation Army provide support to people experiencing homelessness with food and other essential items, but with long waiting times for social housing, many people in Swan Hill are sleeping rough in tents or other temporary structures. While they wait for a roof over their heads, they must endure the extreme conditions of Swan Hill’s climate with completely inadequate shelter. 

President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Swan Hill Conference, Chris Mahon, said, “Many of the people experiencing homelessness have challenges to overcome, which can be extra difficult when they are sleeping in a tent and have nowhere to shower or cook meals.”

“By working together, we can provide a hand up to these people at the toughest time of their lives. I encourage anyone who would like to get involved to reach out to me,” Chris said. 

Contact Chris on swanhill.conf.pres@svdp-vic.org.au to get involved. 

If you are in need of support please visit www.vinnies.org.au/vic/find-help

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Susanne Newton | P: 0438 804 023 | E: Susanne.Newton@svdp-vic.org.au 

ABOUT THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The St Vincent de Paul Society and its wide network of members and volunteers provide practical frontline support, advocacy and friendship for the most vulnerable members of our community. Key services include home visitation; Vinnies Shops; youth programs; soup vans; assistance for asylum seekers and refugees; education and tutoring; and professional accommodation and health services through VincentCare. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has more than 10,000+ members and volunteers, and more than 60,000 across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 149 countries and more than 950,000 members. To find out more visit: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria | Vinnies