The gift of security

A PLAN by the Hervey Bay Churches of Christ to install eight street lockers in Hervey Bay will improve dignity of the homeless and reduce the number of their belongings seen around the region during the day.

(Contributed by Hervey Bay RSL)

A Hervey Bay RSL Community Grant has funded the pilot program that has seen the lockers installed on the church grounds in Neil St, Pialba. PHOTO: Supplied.

A $2900 Hervey Bay RSL Community Grant has funded the pilot program that has seen the lockers installed on the church grounds in Neil St, Pialba.

Trevor Boulton from Hervey Bay Churches of Christ said this kind of facility was desperately needed in the region.

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He said the lockers provide individuals with secure storage for their belongings while they sleep and attend appointments.

“People living rough need a place to store their clothing and bedding, so they can sleep in peace and attend job interviews without having to take their gear with them.

“It has been proven to significantly decrease lost, stolen and damaged items, for those who have so little to lose.

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“They also provide a feeling of security, relief and self-worth. In many ways, they can be a pathway back to a normal routine in day-to-day life.”

Trevor said many of the issues faced by individuals without storage can pose a direct negative affect on their ability to move out of homelessness.

The lockers will help combat this issue.

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“Difficulties retaining necessary identification documents needed to apply for housing or the Public Housing Register, limited mobility and challenges of attending appointments, court or job interviews with luggage, high cost of replacing lost, removed or stolen items, and the visible stigma associated with homelessness can pose serious challenges to securing a home,” he said.

The street lockers are water resistant, UV proof and vandal proof.