As winter approaches and temperatures fall across East Gippsland, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) is calling on the community to support local people experiencing homelessness through a winter fundraising and awareness campaign.
GLCH has opened a new Drop-In Centre in Lakes Entrance for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, providing access to essential facilities including showers, laundry, kitchen amenities and connections to health and homelessness support services.
Located at 32 Jemmeson Street, the centre operates on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 3pm and has already begun supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
On its very first day of operation, the centre supported a family who had been sleeping rough in the Colquhoun State Forest. The family has since been connected with temporary accommodation and additional support services.
GLCH CEO Anne-Maree Kaser said the centre was created in response to growing local need and a lack of accessible homelessness services in Lakes Entrance.
“Homelessness in East Gippsland is far more common than many people realise, particularly during periods of housing stress and rising living costs,” Anne-Maree said.
“As winter sets in, people experiencing homelessness are in greater need. This centre is about restoring dignity, connection, and kindness at a time when people may be feeling invisible or overwhelmed.”
“Something as simple as a warm shower, clean clothes or a safe place to sit can make an enormous difference to someone doing it tough.”
Homelessness rates in East Gippsland are estimated to be significantly higher than the national average, with limited support services available locally.
The Drop-In Centre is currently operating without government funding, with GLCH now fundraising to help sustain services through winter.
Funds raised will support the purchase of practical essentials, including towels, toiletries, laundry and bathroom supplies, blankets, warm clothing and basic operating costs.
Anne-Maree said the response from the local community had already been encouraging.
“We’ve seen incredible generosity from local people, churches and community supporters who understand that homelessness can affect anyone,” she said.
“We are especially grateful to the Lakes Entrance Uniting Church and the Anglican Parish of Lakes Entrance and Metung for their support in helping make this initiative possible.”
“This is a community response to a community issue, and every donation helps ensure people are met with care, warmth and dignity during the colder months.”
