The support of the Shoalhaven community is helping to change the lives of people struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
As the homelessness crisis continues to grow in Shoalhaven, the Mayor's Relief Fund - as part of the Thrive Together campaign - is now open for community donations that will support people experiencing homelessness, often through no fault of their own.
"People don't choose to be homeless, people don't one day wake up, pitch a tent in the bush and be homeless," said Salt CEO and Founder, Peter Dover.
"We know people are doing it tough for a lot of reasons. Many are hardworking people who have just had a run of bad luck and need some help turning things around," Mr Dover said.
Local man, David, has lived homelessness experience, and says the support of places like Salt Care turned his life around.
"I had nowhere to stay, no food, no clothing and my car had just been destroyed. Salt found me a bed at the homeless shelter. I'm now in a good head space, and have a great community of people around me, it's a miraculous story really. Salt is taking people who have been through horrendous experiences in life and are transforming those lives, and I'm very much appreciative," said David.
Single mum, Amanda, also having lived homelessness experience, describes Salt Care as helping her see the positives in her future.
"Being a single mum with a child with significant mental health issues and a disability is hard, and I suffer with issues mental health myself. I've lived this life because of having trauma in my own life. I don't want to live in this rut all the time," she said.
A donation, even a small one would help to buy the essentials:
$5 Shower voucher
$15 Laundry assistance
$20 Hot meal
$30 Hygiene care pack
$40 Sleeping bag
$50 Petrol voucher
$60 Single person food hamper
$70 Taxi travel voucher
$80 Winter warmer essentials (blankets, warm clothing)
$90 Swag or 2-person tent
$100 Family food hamper
$150 Utility bills assistance
$180 Counselling service assistance
$200 Emergency accommodation.
Money raised from the Mayor's Relief Fund will be distributed to local service providers to help those in need pay for food, utility and accommodation.
Local Service providers include Salt Care, Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra, Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre, and the St Vincent de Paul Society Nowra branch.
Donations to homeless services in our region can be made online via the Give Now website.
