Foodbank pop-up returns for the 2024 Homelessness Week Expo
Published: 09 Aug 2024 2:13pm
In recognition of homelessness week, Wagga Wagga City Council joined multiple local community support groups and organisations at the Homelessness Week Expo on Thursday 8 August.
Locals experiencing food insecurity and homelessness were able to attend and access fresh food, health care services, and other support services.
The Homelessness Week Expo is an initiative of the Triple H Forum, organised by Wagga Wagga City Council and supported by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) as part of their ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Murrumbidgee community.
Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said community members were able to meet with services that provide early intervention and crisis support.
“The event provides access to food relief, but also a chance to meet with local services that can help,” Ms Osgood said.
“Especially with the rising cost of living, it’s important that people know that there are services available to support them at an earlier intervention stage but also at that crisis stage.
“The key message that we want to get across to people is to reach out and ask for help.”
The theme for Homelessness Week 2024 was ‘Homelessness Action Now,’ reflecting a collective call to address and take action against homelessness.
MPHN’s Clinical Programs and Emergency Response Manager Peta Anderson said the Homelessness Week Expo was an important day that helped bring services directly to the people who need them most.
“Through collaborating with Wagga Wagga City Council and the Triple H Forum, we helped people access essential resources during these challenging times,” Ms Anderson said.
“MPHN also provided free health checks and vaccinations on the day.”
Alex Osgood says for those still experiencing hardship, Council’s ‘Can We Help’ online webpage is a good starting point to find a local service that can provide assistance.
“If you need food, someone to talk to or somewhere to sleep and shower, there are services that can help,” Alex Osgood said.
“Everyone deserves to be safe.”
To read more about these services, visit Council’s website: