As the largest regional city in Victoria, there are almost 275,000 people who call the City of Greater Geelong home. Unfortunately, not all of them actually have a home.
There are hundreds of vulnerable people in our community who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. From couch surfing with family and friends to sleeping rough in cars, according to the 2016 census, there are approximately 800 people in City of Greater Geelong who identify as homeless.
Thanks to your donations, a $30,000 grant from the Give Where You Live Foundation allows Samaritan House to provide support and crisis accommodation to men experiencing homelessness every evening.
Established as a community-driven response to the growing problem of homelessness, Samaritan House Geelong provides a welcoming and safe home 365 days a year for men over the age of 18 experiencing homelessness. For these men it’s more than a house, it is a home – a hot meal, a seat at the table, a clean bed and someone to talk to.
Samaritan House Team Leader, Tim, notes that there is a growing need for emergency accommodation with approximately 70 single men wait-listed for housing support as of June 2018.
Actively working with guests to address their issues and identify appropriate support services and ongoing accommodation, an incredible 90% of guests have moved to permanent and
more stable accommodation.
This service has provided men like Mike the opportunity to get back on their feet. Having lost his business and finding himself without a place to live, Mike arrived at Samaritan House with blisters on his feet from walking 30 kilometres after his car broke down. With time and respite, Mike was able to secure stable employment and now is living in private accommodation.
Mike’s story is just one story of many that highlights the role Samaritan House Geelong plays in helping men who are homeless create better lives for themselves.