Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) has thanked the East Gippsland community for its overwhelming generosity in supporting the new Drop-In Centre in Lakes Entrance for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Since opening on Jemmeson Street, the centre has welcomed more than 50 people in its first few weeks, providing access to a safe, warm environment with kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.
GLCH chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser said the service was developed as a local response to a growing need, and the community’s support had been heartening.
“We are providing a safe space, a warm space, where people can come in and connect with others and experience what many of us take for granted: a warm shower, something nourishing to eat, and somewhere safe to be,” Anne-Maree said.
“We’ve seen a fantastic response from the community, both in the support for the service and in the generosity people have shown.”
Community support has included donations from local organisations like the staff at Lakes Entrance Secondary College and the Lakes Entrance Volunteer Craft Group, along with contributions from individuals across the region.
The Drop-In Centre brings together a range of GLCH services, with visitors able to access social workers, health checks and homelessness support, as well as meals prepared through the organisation’s Social Support kitchen.
The centre is open Monday and Tuesdays, from 10am through to 3pm.
Anne-Maree said many people accessing the service are facing extremely challenging circumstances.
“We’re seeing people arrive with everything they own, carrying all their belongings with them or living out of their cars,” she said.
“This is a community issue, and it needs a community-led response.”
While the response so far has been strong, GLCH is continuing to work on how the service can stay open over winter.
“We are so appreciative of the support East Gippslanders are giving us. It’s making a real difference to people doing it tough,” Anne-Maree said.
Community members wishing to donate can do so via the GLCH donations webpage or by calling and speaking with Marnie Graham.
