The Lakes Entrance Uniting Church op shop has donated $5000 to support people experiencing homelessness in East Gippsland.
Volunteer Sue Grundy said the contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of locals.
“Thanks to the generous donations of goods to our op-shop, we can give back to our community, where it is needed,” she said.
The donation will support Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s (GLCH) homelessness support services.
GLCH Clinical Services executive manager Cheryl Bush thanked the Lakes Entrance Uniting Church op shop for its generosity.
“GLCH is very aware of the growing number of people at risk of homelessness in our community, and we are establishing more homeless support services, including here in Lakes Entrance,” Cheryl said.
One new service is Health on Wheels, an outreach program operating across East Gippsland and Wellington with a dedicated nurse and homelessness outreach worker. The service visits communities including Lakes Entrance and supports people to navigate the health system and connect with ongoing care.
Health on Wheels is funded by Gippsland PHN and is already making a difference only weeks into its pilot phase.
“We’re connecting with people every day who might otherwise fall through the cracks,” outreach worker Nicki Keddie said.
“For many, this is the first time in a long while that health care has felt accessible
and safe.”
