The homeless figures are so bad this year the Shining Stars Foundation are directing much of their resources into making a difference during this crisis.
According to the latest figures, there are 2,700 people in Macarthur on the social housing waiting list and almost 800 already homeless.
These numbers are expected to get even more grim as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ironically, the figures have come at the completion of the 2020 Homelessness Week 2020.
But there’s hope, thanks to charities such as Shining Stars Foundation, where co-founders Lyn and Kylee, supported by a team of volunteers, cooks and outreach workers deliver services to the most vulnerable in the region.
The region is large, stretching from Liverpool through to Macarthur, Wollondilly, and Wollongong.
The Shining Stars motto is Together we make a difference, and Wests Group Macarthur for one agree.
Wests have now given Shining Stars $6,500 in club grants funding, which will be used towards the foundation’s youth mentoring service, a program dedicated to struggling and or homeless youth in the Macarthur region.
As part of the program younger homeless individuals and struggling families will be provided with a meal service as well as other mentoring resources such as sporting equipment.
“It has been a devastating year with the overall demand for our services busier than ever, so we really do appreciate this support from Wests Group Macarthur more than ever,’’saysKylee Bentham on behalf of Shining Stars Foundation.
“Without it, we simply would not be able to do what we do.”
Tony Mathew, CEO of Wests Group Macarthur says Wests strongly believe in supporting and empowering the community through tailored strategies for the betterment of the region.
“It is our responsibility to try and support the next generation of adults to be the best they can be,’’ Mr Mathew said.
“Shining Stars do an exceptional job and we are pleased to contribute to their efforts.”
Members of Wests Group Macarthur venues are being asked to support Shining Stars through the contribution of non-perishable pantry items in the 2020 Wests Cares Pantry Appeal from next Monday.
The food collection initiative is encouraging donations of long life, tinned and basic pantry food items to be used in take home hampers and food preparation to support the Shining Stars outreach program.
Donation boxes will be available from the reception areas of each Wests Group Macarthur venue for three weeks starting Monday, August 17 and until Monday, September 7.
