Call to help the vulnerable this winter

FINDING shelter and staying warm are some of the challenges clients at St Patricks Community Centre face.

St Pat’s has launched their winter appeal and are calling on the community to donate socks, track pants and backpack beds for those in need.

One such client Bob said staying warm and healthy was a real challenge.

“It’s hard to prevent a cold from becoming bronchitis when you don’t have a warm place to shelter,” he said.

“St. Pat’s has helped me with a sleeping bag, winter clothing and shoes as well as groceries.

“I come here everyday for a warm meal and for the sense of community.

“St. Pat’s provides not just essentials like groceries, clothing and warm meals – it’s also a safe place to come and have a chat and get out of the rain.”

St Pat’s chief executive Michael Piu said funding was not keeping pace with rising costs and St Pat’s needs all the help it could get.

“Put simply, raising additional funds enables St. Pat’s to assist more people in need; the more money we raise, the more we can assist others,” he said.

“As the living costs in Perth rise, we are seeing an increasing number of people becoming homeless.

“The fastest growing demographic within the homeless population is senior women.”

Mr Piu said monetary donation were the primary focus.

“These help fund essential programs for our clients,” he said.

“We also welcome donations of sleeping bags, sleeping mats, winter shoes and clothing.”