The City of Gold Coast’s 2022 Homeless Connect event took place at Metricon Stadium yesterday, assisting hundreds affected by homelessness to access essential goods and services.

Increasing numbers of people are finding it difficult to be able to find a home on the Gold Coast, with many having an experience of homelessness.

Homeless Connect allows Gold Coasters who are homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless to get in touch with a variety of community services, including health and wellbeing, legal advice and counselling.

Those attending also had the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of benefits including haircuts, manicures and other essential services.

This event is an initiative of the Gold Coast Homelessness Network and is proudly supported by the Gold Coast Community Fund & Gold Coast SUNS in conjunction with many other local businesses and supporters.

“We’re delighted to play a role, we can understand that some people have found it a little bit tough and don’t have a permanent place to live,” GC SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said.

“We can open up our Stadium and our staff can help serve lunch and provide all of these opportunities for all of these wonderful people to put some support around those who need it.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what we’re doing.”

Metricon Stadium has hosted the annual event eight times since 2013, missing just the 2020 and 2021 editions due to Covid.

The Gold Coast SUNS’ Austworld Centre has served as a donation hub for essential items, with SUNS staff also donating time on the day to serve lunch to those in attendance.