On any given night in Western Australia, over 9,500 people are recorded as homeless and alarmingly, 25% are under the age of 18. Growing unemployment, domestic violence, family breakdown and housing stress are major causes, proving that homelessness can happen to anyone at any time.
During Homelessness Week 2018, Indigo Junction with support from the City of Swan provided a lunch for the community. The community BBQ was held on Friday 10 August at Juniper Gardens in Midland for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
The sun was shining and it was a great event which saw Vaughn McGuire provide an informative and touching Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The Rapid Relief Team were onsite and cooked up their scrumptious and popular deluxe burgers, Mopoke Coffee handed out delicious cappuccinos and hot chocolates, Orange Sky Laundry offered laundry services, the fabulous volunteer hairdressers, Alana and Michelle, provided free haircuts and were a huge hit on the day, and our volunteer entertainers, Daniel and Jacob, created a fun and welcoming atmosphere!
Indigo Junction staff handed out dignity packs donated by Gift-A-Basket and the general public, as well as fresh fruit generously donated by Foodbank and bottled water donated by Purslowe & Chipper Funerals (Ellenbrook). Staff also manned the information tent which was set up to provide information on services and support in the area.
The event was well received by the community which saw approximately 150 people attend over the 2 hours with many positive reviews.
Indigo Junction would like to thank the aforementioned organisations and volunteers who supported this event.