image credit: Star Mail (Stewart Chambers: 556163)
An amazing network of local businesses across the Yarra Ranges is demonstrating the power of community by coming together to support people experiencing homelessness.
Working in partnership with Anchor Community Care and Yarra Ranges Council, businesses from across the region have opened their doors and offered practical support to people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
The initiative highlights the important role that businesses can play in creating stronger and more compassionate communities. While homelessness is often seen as an issue for government and community organisations to address, this collaboration shows that local businesses can also make a meaningful difference through practical acts of generosity.
Businesses stepping up with support:
Cafes/Food
- Round Bird Food & Wine Merchants
- Your Local Roaster, Lilydale
- Lilydale Food Factory
Services and organisations
- Nangle Group
- Bendigo Bank Ferntree Gully
- Nangle Group
- Smoothline Dry Cleaners
- Snips of London
- Bunnings Lilydale
- Wandin Florist
- Yarra Valley Singers – Community Choir
Shower facilities
Belgravia Leisure
Read the Star Mail article about the businesses.
For many people experiencing homelessness, access to everyday services can be difficult. Something as simple as a fresh haircut, clean clothing or a warm meal can help build confidence, improve wellbeing and create a sense of belonging. These contributions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on a person’s journey towards stability and independence.
This partnership is also a reminder that addressing homelessness requires a collective effort. When businesses, community organisations, local government and residents work together, we can create more opportunities for people to rebuild their lives and access the support they need.
We thank all participating businesses for their leadership, generosity and commitment to making the Yarra Ranges a more inclusive community. Your support is helping to create positive change and showing that everyone has a role to play in supporting those experiencing homelessness.
Other Yarra Ranges businesses wishing to sign up to the program are encouraged to reach out to Gabby Golds, Yarra Ranges Council: g.golds@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
