MILDURA police have made a generous donation of sleeping bags, scarves and soft toys to the Mallee Accommodation and Support Program to help the homeless as winter approaches.
There are 1000 people on the waitlist for a home in Mildura and an estimated 200-300 people sleeping rough.
MASP manager of homeless services Trevor Gibbs said the organisation was “surprised” by the donation but were really pleased with the support from the local police.
“Donations like these are gratefully appreciated and received, it was great of the police to think of MASP and coming into winter it was perfect timing.”
Mr Gibbs said the winter months were particularly difficult for homeless people.
“We get a lot of transient people coming through from NSW and SA so that increases a lot, there is people sleeping rough along the river banks, around town and in their cars,” he said.
“As we know, the housing situation is getting worse and worse so there seems to be more families residing in their cars and some of those people even have employment, they just cant find housing.”
“You come across families that have young ones there are people experiencing homelessness from every demographic, males, females and all ages.”
Mr Gibbs said they would now look to distribute the items to those in need.
“It will be distributed on a needs basis, we get people coming through our doors on a daily basis, there is all sorts of needs and requirements, the donations will be gratefully received by the community that’s for sure.”
MASP is currently looking for donations heading into the cooler months.