At our meeting this morning Jim and Jane spoke to us about their various community service projects that come under the 'umbrella' of Umbrellas and Footprints.
Jim and Jane are seen here with our club President Jodie.
Last year we provided some funds for them to be able to assist with Christmas gifts to the homeless, and we had the opportunity to see their new and improved shower truck which is part of their Brolly Brigade programme.
We learned more about the issues surrounding homelessness, and poverty which is exacerbated by the fact that many of the drop in centres have now closed because they can no longer afford to keep running. Their research suggests that even with an average wage, housing is almost impossible to afford - with a $70,000 annual wage, you would be paying about 50% of that on housing if it can be found. The number of children in poverty stricken circumstances in WA is increasing with current figures suggesting that at least 100,000 fit within that category, and some 7,000 of them are homeless as well.
The Brolly Brigade is looking for a place to call home, so that they can have a central location to house their vehicles (2) plus a trailer as well as all the supporting equipment that they require to run the mobile shower van. If anyone knows of such a place, I'm sure they would be delighted to talk with you.
They also are looking for volunteers to assist them in their various endeavours to help make a difference in the lives of those they are impacting. There is a far greater need than they have the capacity to deliver. They are also finding that people are looking for social interaction so are coming to where the truck is parked - in Victoria Park, Moore St, Perth and in Joondalup when it is rostered there - just so they can talk to someone other than themselves. They regularly team up with other support groups who provide food, washing facilities, and other wrap around services such as the Street Doctor, and advocacy people.
If you, or someone you know can help, please reach out to Jim and Jane. Here is a link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/umbrellasandfootprints/