Anchor Community Care was delighted to welcome the Rotary Club of Lilydale to our office, where the club donated 10 quality shelter swags for Anchor’s homelessness team to provide to people sleeping rough in our community.
The waterproof shelter bags provide a safer and more weather-resistant option for people who are sleeping outdoors, helping our frontline homelessness workers provide practical support to people experiencing homelessness.
Community collaboration in action
The donation is the result of collaboration between Rotary clubs, with the Rotary Club of Lilydale working alongside the Southbank Elsternwick Rotary Club to raise funds for the shelter swags.
For Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker, the donation is another example of the important role local community organisations play in supporting people experiencing homelessness.
“It’s fabulous to have Rotary supporting us again. They really just look out for their community and keep us in mind.”
This ongoing connection is particularly valuable for Anchor’s homelessness teams, who work directly with people sleeping rough and understand the practical challenges they face.
Having access to items such as shelter swags means workers can respond to immediate needs while continuing to support people towards longer-term safety and stability.
Small acts of support can make a difference
The shelter swags are designed to provide protection from the elements and will be distributed by Anchor’s homelessness team to people who need them.
While a shelter swag cannot solve homelessness, it is one practical way that community support can make a difficult situation a little safer.
More importantly, the donation demonstrates what can happen when local organisations look for ways to contribute to the people and communities around them.
Anchor works alongside a wide network of community organisations, businesses, volunteers, donors and supporters. These partnerships help extend what our teams can do and provide additional resources for people experiencing homelessness.
