Charity chips in to help the homeless

THE Ballarat Foundation is dedicating thousands of dollars from the organisation’s Ballarat Innovation Grant program to help combat homelessness over the next three years.

The charity will be donating $150,000 with $50,000 going towards the Community Care Centre Ballarat, and the remainder to the Ballarat Zero Project.

“The Ballarat Foundation has recognised through our Vital Signs project that too many community members are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Ballarat Foundation chair Wayne Weaire.

“We see these grants as an important and significant contribution to collaborative responses to this issue.

“The Ballarat Foundation will be working closely with the successful organisations to grow the impact of these project over the next

three years.”

The Ballarat Zero Project, initiated by the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, is a three-year trial project aimed at getting those experiencing homelessness off the streets.

Supported by the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, the project will track homelessness reduction in the region through to August, 2027, with the ultimate goal of achieving “functional zero” homelessness.

The Community Care Centre Ballarat assists vulnerable people and families with household items such as furnishing and electrical appliances.

The service is aimed at helping those in urgent situations due to trauma or loss or who aren’t able to afford basic living essentials.

Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance chair Jerry Ham said the donations will assist with the project’s success.

“Obtaining the grant is a significant milestone to getting a Ballarat Advance to Zero project underway,” he said.

“The Ballarat Zero Pilot, the latest in a broadening network of Advance to Zero projects across the state, will create a ‘by name list’ and work with all stakeholders to reduce rough sleeping within Ballarat CBD.

“The grant will impact the ability to bring a targeted response to rough sleeping, improving outcomes for those experiencing homelessness and the wider community.”

Community Care Centre Ballarat acting chair Warren Payne also welcomed the funding.

“This grant will enable us to take the next step in our journey, expanding our ability to assist those in need across Ballarat and district,” he said.

“With this funding, we can invest in essential resources, like staffing for our warehouse, allowing us to connect with more people and provide a streamlined service to the community.”