This year’s Spread the Warmth appeal saw hundreds of swags, blankets and winter woollies donated to families in crisis and people sleeping rough.
Cliff’s story
After the breakdown of his marriage, Cliff (pictured right) became one of the growing number of people to find himself homeless.
When his savings dried up, he could no longer afford fees on the caravan he rented near Ballarat. Trying to sign up for Centrelink payments, the 65-year-old was told he had to apply online.
“I struggled, because I’m not very good at using computers,” he says. “It was really daunting.”
“I’m lucky I found Uniting. I don’t know what I would have done without them.” Cliff now receives Centrelink payments and recently secured long-term housing.
“A big thank you to everyone who donated to the winter appeal,” said Adam Liversage who heads up Uniting’s housing and homelessness services in Ballarat.
“For someone sleeping rough, it can make the world of difference.”
In Tasmania it’s a similar story, where people have been sleeping on the doorstep of our NoBucks community meals building.
“We can’t keep up with demand at the moment,” said Charlotte Ryan. “It’s a very bleak picture. Having a swag, blankets, gloves and beanies can mean the difference between shivering through the night and getting a decent sleep.”
Donate now to support the most vulnerable in our community.
