Group supports city’s downtrodden

With the end of the mining boom and recent difficulties facing the economy, organisations like Rockingham’s Christians Rea-dy Equipped and Willing find themselves playing a huge role in supporting those most in need.

Starting in June, 2015, The CREW began with a barbecue at the Rockingham Foreshore and has grown to offer the homeless and those in need meal hampers, a place to shower, counselling and even help finding employment.

CREW chief executive Julie-Anne Moyle said the problem of homelessness in Rockingham had got worse since the economy had taken a turn for the worse.

“We are finding we are helping a lot of families and a lot of victims of domestic violence who are starting again,” Ms Moyle said.

“It’s getting worse and worse.

“At the beginning of last year, we didn’t come across a lot of families, but now there are 15 families at the caravan park down the road.”

Ms Moyle said she also wanted to help remove the negative stigma associated with homelessness.

“Most of these people have a long history of neglect and abuse,” she said.

“Some may be on alcohol or drugs, but that numbs the reality facing them and what they’ve gone through.” Rather than negatively stereotype the homeless, Ms Moyle said she was determined to help people through the dark times.

“We want to give people a place to be able to talk; to help them address the root cause of their addiction with qualified professionals,” she said.

“A lot of them feel worthless and that is the sort of thing we want to change.”

The CREW is trying to raise funds for extra showering facilities and is set to host a quiz night at the Gary Holland Centre on March 25.

For more information on The CREW, phone 9592 4648.

Alternatively, visit thecrew. org.au.