Yesterday, Wattle Tree House held the first of three Homeless Hubs in an effort to bridge the gap between those in need and the support services in the community. 

It was held at the Kelso Community Centre and included a barbecue and family activities. 

Case manager Danielle Annesley said the facility wanted to ensure the get-together had a laidback atmosphere to make people comfortable about asking for help. 

“It definitely raises the awareness about our services,” she said. 

Ms Annesley has provided assistance to a number of individuals and families experiencing problems relating to homelessness and has found many people are often unaware of how much help is out there to get them back on their feet. 

“A lot of the time it is a last minute thing,” she said. “Our clients range from people who know about us and ask for help to clients who need urgent assistance.”

While Wattle Tree House is able to assist people in urgent circumstances, it can also provide assistance to people who are regularly moving from one residence to another, as this is also a form of homelessness.

“A lot of people, they see the bodies on the park benches and think that’s being homeless, but there are also people who are couch-surfing with friends,” Ms Annesley said.

Wattle Tree House will host its major Homeless Hub today from 11am to 3pm in Machattie Park. 

Whether they are in a vulnerable position or not, people are encouraged to attend to find out more about what services are available.

A total of 17 services will join with Wattle Tree House for the hub and share in a barbecue lunch. 

“We also have donations of clothing and food there people can take,” Ms Annesley said. 

A third hub will be held in Oberon tomorrow from 11am to 1pm out the front of St Vincent de Paul. 

Contact Wattle Tree House on 1800 851 858 or on Facebook.