Centrelink support for the homeless
South Australia media release
Friday, 30 July 2010
Centrelink staff around South Australia will be organising donations to local homelessness charities to mark National Homeless Persons’ Week.
The donations are part of a range of local activities being held by Centrelink staff across the country to recognise National Homeless Persons’ Week which runs from Monday 2 to Friday 8 August 2010.
Staff at Centrelink’s SA Customer Service Centres have also taken part in a drive to collect blankets and non-perishable foods for donation to a major provider of services for the homeless.
Centrelink’s Program Manager for Community Engagement, Area South Australia, Lauren Callinan, says Centrelink assists homeless people in many ways.
"Centrelink is committed to providing assistance to the homeless, through income support and individual assistance from Centrelink Customer Service Advisers and specialist staff such as social workers and Community Engagement Officers," Lauren says.
“The blanket and food drive is a way for Centrelink staff to demonstrate their commitment to supporting some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.”
Lauren said Centrelink Social Workers and Community Engagement Officers play a vital role in assisting the homeless.
"Centrelink has around 600 social workers, working in over 300 Centrelink customer service centres and call centres. Last year, our social workers had over 58,000 contacts with people who were homeless or who were experiencing accommodation issues," Lauren said.
“There are 90 Centrelink Community Engagement Officers located around Australia providing assistance to homeless people who are experiencing difficulties accessing mainstream Centrelink services.
“Community Engagement Officers can deliver services to people outside the traditional customer service centre setting, in locations such as parks or crisis accommodation.
"I urge anyone who is seeking support to visit their nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or speak to a Centrelink Social Worker by calling 13 1021."
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.