Community pitches in towards local homelessness

GIVE Where You Live Foundation’s (GWYLF’s) inaugural Pitch Up Geelong fundraiser has raised more than $86,000 to address homelessness within the Geelong region.

The live crowdfunding event on August 10 saw three community organisations – Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Neami National and Lazarus Community Centre – share their stories of impact within the homelessness space.

The evening inspired laughter, tears, generosity and endeavoured to change the lives of local people living in crisis.

Lazarus Community Centre was able to raise $34,000 to contribute towards staff wages to help the organisation assist the growing number of people seeking support.

Lazarus general manager Jade Hamilton said the level of support had left her completely speechless.

“We average about 45 people coming in each day, so this money will help so many people.

“The support will mean so much to our future certainty, it means we can continue to provide our service to our clients.”

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative was the beneficiary of more than $26,000.

The proceeds will help the organisation establish a supported immediate crisis and short-term housing program at their Youth Hub, which is slated to open soon.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative youth hub project officer Lily Edwards said she was thrilled with the fundraising outcome.

“This support means we can start a process with our young people and consult with them on the complex needs of them experiencing homelessness.

“We can start to put a framework in place to address those needs and ensure cultural safety throughout the process.”

Neami National also raised more than $26,000 to support their Geelong Zero initiative to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping by 2025.

On the night, all donations were matched up to $30,000 by the Give Where You Live Foundation, Anthony Costa Foundation, Built and Findex Community Fund.

GWYLF chief executive officer Bill Mithen said homelessness initiatives were among the Foundation’s key priorities.

“The 2023 theme for Homelessness Week ‘It’s time to end homelessness’ highlighted the importance of events like Pitch Up Geelong, where the combined efforts of our three pitching organisations, along with support from our community, can help to make a difference for people locally.

“Thanks to the generosity of our matched funding partners and everyone who joined us at this year’s Pitch Up Geelong event.”