Agape launches fashion parade as homelessness soars in Northern Rivers

TWEED Heads-based Agape Outreach is hosting an Up-Cycled Fashion Parade to raise funds to support its work as homelessness surges across the Northern Rivers.

The charity faces the possibility of closure if necessary building modifications are not completed by the new year.

Agape Outreach founder Theresa Mitchell said the required upgrades, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are needed to meet permit requirements, alongside soaring bills for rates, electricity, and water.

“The increased demand on Agape sees us having to turn people away regularly as we cannot afford to buy more food to feed them,” Ms Mitchell said.

The urgency for support comes as a recent street count in Byron Bay revealed more people sleeping rough than in Sydney.

Outreach workers warn that the true extent of the crisis across the region is likely much worse than reported, with outdated and incomplete data understating the problem in areas like Tweed Heads.

“The last two census counts, Agape Outreach had people booked in from the census to register our clients, and no one turned up both times,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Sadly, the numbers in the Tweed Heads region for homelessness are well understated.”

Current statistics from Tweed Shire Council indicate that over 400 people are experiencing homelessness in the Tweed Shire.

A significant portion of these are women and children escaping domestic violence.

These numbers don’t include those living in motels or other unstable accommodations.

Ms Mitchell attributes the high levels of homelessness to a lack of affordable housing and the aftermath of the 2022 floods.

“Leaving a person homeless does not make sense as it places a significant strain on community resources, including healthcare, social services, and law enforcement. It is cheaper to give them housing,” Ms Mitchell said.

Agape Outreach is a volunteer-driven service with over 290 volunteers and four employees.

The organisation distributes over 1,000 hot meals on the streets weekly, totalling more than 61,000 meals last year.

Agape also provides housing services, as well as life skills and education programs, including emotional wellness, cooking, nutrition, and financial literacy classes.

These programs help individuals rebuild their lives.

Despite its critical role, Agape Outreach has been struggling to secure support.

The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on its op shop and community fundraising.

The organisation’s op shop provides clothing and furnishings to those in need, all offered free of charge.

Ms Mitchell said even their new hot water system is insufficient, often running out by lunchtime each day due to the high number of people using the showers.

The Up-Cycled Fashion Parade will be held at Lindisfarne High School’s sports hall on September 14 from 2 pm.

The event will feature models showcasing up-cycled designer labels available for purchase at op shop prices.

Ms Mitchell said it’s an opportunity to find a unique, designer outfit for Christmas while supporting a worthy cause and the local community.

For tickets, head to stickytickets.com.au/p4eab/up_cycled_fashion_parade.aspx