Homelessness Information Kit for Volunteers
About this kit
This online information kit about homelessness and homelessness services for use by volunteers has been developed by the City of Sydney Council (The City) with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA). It has been designed as an introduction to the issue of homelessness. The City values the work of all organisations who provide services and assistance to people who are homeless and the volunteers that dedicate their time and energy to working with such services.
Many volunteers may not have time to complete face to face training or be able to commit to a course. There are volunteer training courses available and we would recommend them to any volunteer who may be interested in pursuing this topic further.
Contact us
The kit provides some basic information about homelessness and relevant services and prompts people to think further about issues through the provision of case studies and by asking questions. Anyone wanting further information can contact relevant staff at homelessnesskit@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Volunteers are not Social Workers
The kit is NOT designed to encourage volunteers to be Social Workers or offer intervention to homeless people beyond the scope of their role. The most valuable thing that many volunteers can offer to other members of the community, including people who are homeless, is a genuine human connection and acceptance.
Keep learning
Volunteers may also become aware of services that can assist people through doing this online information kit but are always encouraged to discuss issues with staff of their organisations or seek advice from professional workers in the field. This information kit is an introduction only. We hope it will improve everyone’s knowledge about homelessness, homelessness services as well as health and other issues associated with homelessness
Contributors
The City would like to thank the organisations, staff and volunteers that assisted in the development of this online kit. These include the St Vincent De Paul Night Patrol, Youth off the Streets, Broken Bay Diocese Food Services and the Coptic Orthodox Community Outreach Service.
In 2006 and early 2007 two pilot face to face information sessions were conducted with volunteers from several services to help us develop this kit. We thank the participants for their contribution and valuable feedback provided about this kit.
Tell us if any information is not correct
This kit was written by Felicity Reynolds, Rebecca Martin and Liz Giles. If you find any inaccuracies or service information that is not correct please send feedback to homelessnesskit@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The opinions and information contained in this kit are not necessarily those of the City of Sydney Council. The opinions, findings and proposals contained in this kit also do not necessarily represent the attitudes or opinions of the Commonwealth, State or Territory Governments.
Welcome to the Homelessness Volunteer Information Kit! Please start by clicking on the link to Module 1.
