THE Salvation Army in Hervey Bay is rallying to raise much-needed money to tackle homelessness within the community.
Local Salvos launched their Red Shield Appeal at the Boat Club yesterday.
Scores of businesspeople, volunteers, councillors and friends of the Salvos packed into the venue to raise awareness and funds to tackle homelessness in our communities.
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The 2021 campaign will again follow the theme, ‘Leave no one in need.’
The organisation has set itself the goal of raising $32-million nationally this year.
Speaking at the launch, Salvation Army Major Peter Sutcliffe said homelessness was largely an unseen problem.
Maj Sutcliffe stressed that for every person experiencing homelessness that you can see, there are 13 more people that you can’t.
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He said it was important for the Salvation Army to partner with the community as it tries to ensure everyone has a place to rest easy.
“We can’t do this alone but together we can make a difference,” he said.
Chairman of the Hervey Bay Appeal Committee Ted Sorensen urged people to dig a little deeper into their pockets and support the 2021 Red Shield Appeal.
Mr Sorensen said the COVID-19 pandemic had increased the risk of homelessness, especially among the elderly.
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The Fraser Coast region, and Hervey Bay in particular, has experienced a housing crisis in recent months, with people struggling to find rental properties.
The Salvation Army said no one was immune from homelessness.
A short video played during the launch highlighted the fact that people who fell victim to homelessness may have had a roof over their heads in the months, weeks or even days before circumstances worsened.
Being told you’re no longer needed at work, escaping domestic violence or health issues, among other things, could all force individuals and families onto the streets.
And that’s where the Salvos step in.
The organisation has been walking alongside Australians in crisis situations for over 140 years.
The Salvation Army in Hervey Bay will be out and about later this month collecting money for the Red Shield Appeal.
People are also being urged to take part in a Digital Doorknock this year. You can make a donation by clicking this link.
For more information on the Red Shield Appeal, click here.
You can also stay up-to-date with the Hervey Bay Salvos on Facebook.