Chris Hemsworth Supports the Homeless at Fletcher Street Cottage
16 February 2023
Local Chris Hemsworth has made a significant donation to Fletcher Street Cottage with a further commitment to help raise much needed funding. This donation will provide critical resources and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire.
The Byron Community Centre is dedicated to giving back to the community and has a strong commitment to supporting those in need. Chris Hemsworth’s donation to Byron’s homeless hub aligns with the organisation's mission to help improve the lives of locals who are living in tents, cars, couchsurfing or on the streets.
"The Fletcher Street Cottage team are extremely grateful to Chris for this generous donation,” says Helen Hamilton, Acting Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage. “It will enable the service to keep running and provide certainty for the months ahead. We know the changes in people's lives that these funds will facilitate because we see it every day.”
Fletcher Street Cottage provides a safe and supportive environment where people can get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. With over 6,000 visitors to the service since opening in April 2022, numbers of people seeking help have drastically increased. In the Byron Shire, the high cost of living and limited availability of affordable housing has contributed to the rise in homelessness.
“We provide connection and support for community members from all walks of life,” explains Helen. “For example, a safe home for a mother and child close to medical services. A clean, fresh pod for an older woman living in damp and mould for 12 months after the floods. Assistance for a young man to travel down the coast to start a new job. Temporary accommodation for a young woman camped in the bush with access to support services.”
There is assistance with housing, mental health, physical health, legal advice and counselling, plus other basics like providing a safe place to enjoy a meal, have a shower and do some washing. With no ongoing government funding, Fletcher Street Cottage relies on community support to continue providing these vital services to those less fortunate.
"We are grateful for Chris' support and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable," says Louise O’Connell, General Manager at the Byron Community Centre. "We are seeing locals seeking help that have never come to us before, people with jobs and young children who are struggling. We can only provide this desperately needed service through the generosity of donors, which keep the doors open."
Chris Hemsworth's donation is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. The Byron Community Centre encourages others to join him in supporting this important cause.
For more information or to make a donation, visit fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
The Byron Community Centre is an independent charity and not-for-profit that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of all. For more information please seewww.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people at risk of homelessness, and those already sleeping rough. For more information please seewww.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.