Community urged to give where you live in tax time appeal

THE Give Where You Live Foundation is calling on the community to help create real change and give where you live through its end of financial year appeal.

Donations to the foundation’s important tax time appeal will stay local and support the programs and people that need it most in the Geelong region.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive Zac Lewis said in the face of the rising cost of living, now more than ever, the community needs support.

“Homelessness in the Greater Geelong region is escalating at an alarming rate. Between 2016 and 2021, it surged by more than 50 per cent; over ten times the national increase,” he said.

“Today, more than 5,200 local households are on the priority waitlist for social housing, with thousands more living in hidden, insecure or unsafe situations.

“Our community partners are telling us that many in our community that never thought they were at risk of becoming homeless are finding themselves unable to pay their rent and other bills.

“For some, it might mean having to sleep in cars, couch surfing or staying in emergency accommodation because they don’t know where else to turn.”

Despite the Give Where You Live Foundation’s commitment to the Geelong community that saw $2.2 million invested into the region in the last financial year, sadly the need in Geelong continues to grow.

“As the cost of living continues to increase, our community partners are seeing increased demand for food, housing and employment support,” Lewis said.

“Your donation to the end of financial year appeal helps drive the kind of long-term, systemic change our community urgently needs.

“It helps ensure that people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are met with dignity, understanding and real pathways to stability.”

Lewis said community has been central to the work of the Give Where You Live Foundation for over 70 years.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do,” he said. “We thank you for considering the Give Where You Live Foundation with your tax time donation.

“Contributions to our end of financial year appeal will stay in our local community and support us to continue our vital work across the Geelong region.”

To make a donation, visit givewhereyoulive.com.au

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