Together for change: community unites for Homelessness Week

Homelessness Week (5 – 11 August) brought our community together in a remarkable display of support for those experiencing homelessness.

With up to 689 people experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough on the Peninsula on any given night, the events and initiatives during Homelessness Week aimed to inspire meaningful change and build a stronger commitment to end homelessness in our region.  

From thought-provoking episodes of the In Our Backyard podcast featuring local voices, to the Fair Share Homelessness Event at Mornington Park, Homelessness Week on the Peninsula was filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and share. 

The Ranchscreeningsaw two sold-out cinema sessions! This powerful documentary brought real stories to light, revealing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness right here in our community. Commissioned by the Mornington Community Support Centre, the film sparked important conversations and raised awareness about the issues at hand.

Another highlight was our initiative to fold origami houses to represent the applications waiting for public housing on the Peninsula. Community members rallied together at various locations, and hundreds of origami houses were folded, symbolising our collective hope for a brighter future.

As we celebrate the amazing turnout and support, let’s keep the momentum going! There are plenty of ways to help: email your local MPs, consider turning your short-stay rental into a long-term home, volunteer with local services, or simply chat with your friends and family about homelessness and how they can contribute.

Together, we can create lasting change! Let’s keep working towards a future where everyone has a place to call home. 

If you or someone you know is facing or experiencing homelessness, visit our dedicated webpage for information and guidance on what supports are available: mornpen.vic.gov.au/housing. 

Learn about how the Shire is advocating to end homelessness on the Peninsula here.